Poultry farmers question retail egg mark-ups as farm-gate prices remain at GH¢40–45
The Greater Accra Poultry Farmers Association says cheaper eggs at production centres are not translating into lower prices for households, raising concerns about how profits are shared between farmers and traders.
Its Chief Executive Officer, Ali Muhammed, has accused market intermediaries, including market queens, of maintaining high retail prices despite farmers selling a crate for between GH¢40 and GH¢45.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, he argued that the difference between farm-gate and market prices could not be justified by transportation costs alone.
He said government measures aimed at easing the cost of living would have limited impact if pricing along the distribution chain continued to prevent consumers from benefiting from lower producer prices.
Muhammed cited the 2025 AgriFair as an example of the difficulties farmers face when attempting to sell directly to the public. He said poultry farmers offered crates at GH¢40 during the event but encountered objections from some market traders who viewed the discounted sales as a threat to their businesses.
According to him, some traders subsequently bought large quantities for resale, forcing organisers to limit purchases to 20 crates per customer to give more consumers access to the reduced prices.
The association’s concerns follow earlier efforts to bypass traditional distribution channels. In January 2026, it reported that direct farm-gate sales and organised delivery services had helped ease an egg glut recorded in late 2025. The association said consumers could order crates directly from farmers for delivery at prices of up to GH¢50 at the time.
However, the pricing debate comes alongside continued pressure on poultry production costs. In October, Muhammed warned that poultry prices could rise by at least 15 per cent ahead of Christmas, citing increases in the cost of maize, soya and other feed ingredients, as well as higher freight charges.
He said farmers were not opposed to traders making profits but wanted margins that reflected reasonable business costs rather than excessive mark-ups.
The association is expected to renew its push for more affordable locally produced eggs at the 2026 Channel One TV AgriFair, scheduled for November 27 to 29 at the Efua Sutherland Children’s Park in Accra.
The event will provide another opportunity for farmers to sell directly to consumers, although the wider challenge of ensuring that lower producer prices reach retail customers remains unresolved.
Source: CNR
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