Ghana’s poultry industry is set for a major financial boost following the government’s decision to uncap levies allocated to the Ghana Export-Import Bank (Exim Bank), in a move aimed at expanding domestic poultry production and reducing the country’s heavy dependence on imported chicken.
Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson announced the intervention during the presentation of the 2027 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament on Thursday, November 12, 2026.
Under the policy, Exim Bank will receive increased funding to finance commercial poultry farming and local poultry feed production as part of the government’s New Economy programme over the next four years.
The intervention represents a significant shift in Ghana’s approach to tackling the longstanding challenges facing local poultry producers, particularly limited access to affordable financing, high production costs and competition from imported poultry products.
Government Opens Funding Floodgates for Poultry Farmers
Announcing the policy in Parliament, Dr Ato Forson said the government would remove the existing funding cap on levies earmarked for Exim Bank, giving the institution greater financial capacity to support strategic sectors of the economy.
“Mr Speaker, we also announce the uncapping of the Exim Bank levies. The government will also uncap the levies earmarked for the Ghana Export and Import Bank.”
Dr Ato Forson
The Finance Minister explained that the additional resources would position the bank as a major financier of commercial poultry farming and feed production, two critical areas considered essential to expanding Ghana’s domestic poultry industry.
“With this increased funding, Mr Speaker, the Ghana Exim Bank will take responsibility for financing commercial poultry and feed production under the ‘New Economy’ programme over the next four years.”
Dr Ato Forson
The decision could provide some relief to poultry businesses that have struggled to expand production despite growing domestic demand.
Access to financing has remained a major concern for local farmers, many of whom face difficulties securing the capital required to establish large-scale poultry operations, purchase equipment and maintain consistent production.
40% of Exim Bank Levy Revenues Earmarked for Poultry
Beyond uncapping the levies, the government has introduced a specific funding requirement that will compel Exim Bank to direct a substantial portion of its levy revenues towards the poultry sector.
Beginning in 2027, the bank will be required to dedicate at least 40 per cent of revenues generated from the Ghana Export and Import levy to supporting poultry farmers and feed production.
Dr Ato Forson said the allocation would remain in place from 2027 to 2030, creating a dedicated financing channel for the government’s poultry expansion agenda.
“From 2027 to 2030, and beginning in 2027, the Ghana Exim Bank will dedicate at least 40% of the revenues from the Ghana Export and Import levy to the poultry sector, supporting poultry farmers and feed production to expand production and meet domestic demand.”
Dr Ato Forson
The earmarking of funds is particularly significant because it provides a defined financing commitment rather than leaving poultry development dependent on occasional government interventions.
The focus on feed production is equally important. Feed accounts for a substantial share of poultry production costs, and Ghana’s ability to expand local feed manufacturing could help reduce operational pressures on farmers while strengthening the wider agricultural value chain.
Ghana Targets Imported Chicken Dominance
Ghana’s poultry industry has long faced stiff competition from imported chicken, with local producers struggling to meet domestic consumption requirements at competitive prices.
The government’s latest intervention seeks to change that situation by strengthening the financial capacity of local businesses and encouraging investment across the poultry value chain.
Dr Ato Forson said the bank had been directed to collaborate with industry players to achieve self-sufficiency in poultry and feed production.
“The government has directed the bank to work with industries to make Ghana self-sufficient in poultry and feed production. Mr Speaker, we will put this funding to work on Ghanaian poultry farms, grow Ghanaian chickens, support Ghanaian businesses, and create jobs across the poultry value chains.”
Dr Ato Forson
The policy could also have implications beyond poultry farming. Increased domestic production would create opportunities for businesses involved in maize and soybean cultivation, feed manufacturing, transportation, processing, packaging and distribution.
However, the success of the initiative will depend on how effectively the funds are deployed, the accessibility of financing to genuine poultry businesses and the ability of local producers to deliver chicken at prices consumers can afford.
Four Years to Transform the Poultry Industry
The 2027 to 2030 financing window gives Exim Bank an important role in translating the government’s agricultural ambitions into measurable production gains.
The challenge will be ensuring that the increased funding reaches commercial farmers and businesses with the capacity to expand production rather than remaining trapped in administrative processes.
Ghana’s poultry sector needs more than financial commitments. Reliable feed supplies, modern production facilities, efficient processing infrastructure and stronger market access will also be essential.
If properly implemented, the uncapping of Exim Bank levies could become one of the most significant interventions in Ghana’s drive to strengthen domestic poultry production, create jobs and reduce reliance on imported chicken.
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