The Ministry of Trade and Industry has allocated 50 million cedi (GHS; around US$15 million) to support the poultry sector, which could be increased according to specific needs of farmers, Ghanaweb reports.

Each year, around GHS600 million ($180 million) is spent on importing rice and poultry, set to reduce ‘drastically’ as Ghanaian production strengthens.

Trade and Industry minister, Haruna Iddrisu confirmed maximum loans of GHS1 million ($300,000) for young male poultry farmers and half a million more for young female producers.

He added: “Our poultry farmers have the capacity to feed this country. What is more encouraging is the fact that we have the capacity to develop a new value chain, from the farm to processing to sales and marketing and consider exporting it ourselves.

“But before that, we have to satisfy local consumption.”