Egg suppliers in Koforidua in the Eastern Region are calling on government to urgently engage Burkina Faso to resolve a trade suspension that has halted egg exports for more than two months, creating a glut in the local market and squeezing incomes across the poultry value chain.
The appeal follows concerns raised by the Poultry Farmers, Egg Sellers, and Exporters Association in Dormaa Ahenkro, a major egg-producing hub, where industry players warned that border restrictions continue to block Ghanaian egg exports.
According to stakeholders, the restrictions are tied to health concerns stemming from Ghana’s previous bird flu outbreak. However, they argue that the issue has not been conclusively addressed through an official government white paper or updated clearance protocol, leaving exporters in limbo.
The prolonged suspension has disrupted a key regional trade channel, particularly with Burkina Faso, which has historically been one of Ghana’s major poultry export destinations in the sub-region.
The closure of export routes has led to an oversupply of eggs on the domestic market, forcing prices downward and putting financial pressure on farmers, wholesalers, and retailers.
At the Koforidua Central Market, suppliers say they are struggling to manage excess stock of a highly perishable product.
“The persistence of excess supply can compel me to sell crates of eggs at far lesser prices,” said Ms Abena Amankwaa, an egg supplier.
She noted that a crate of eggs currently sells between GHC50 and GHC55, but warned that prices could fall further if the surplus continues, as sellers attempt to avoid losses from spoilage.
While producers and traders face mounting losses, the situation has created short-term relief for consumers and small business operators who rely heavily on eggs.
Some bakers say lower prices are improving production margins and enabling them to increase output.
“My baked goods will be enriched, improving both the taste and quality of my products,” said Ms Rebecca Gyan, a local baker, who added that she is now able to purchase eggs in larger quantities.
Household consumers have also welcomed the price decline, saying it has improved access to protein and eased pressure on food budgets amid rising living costs.
Despite the temporary benefits to consumers, industry stakeholders warn that the situation is unsustainable and could lead to significant economic losses if the export ban persists.
They are urging government to initiate urgent diplomatic talks with Burkina Faso to restore trade flows and prevent further disruptions to the poultry value chain.
Analysts say the impasse highlights the vulnerability of perishable agricultural exports to cross-border health and trade restrictions, particularly when regulatory clarity is lacking.
Farmers and exporters caution that continued market saturation could result in large-scale waste of unsold eggs, further worsening financial losses in the sector.
They argue that without swift intervention, producers may be forced to scale down production, potentially affecting employment and supply stability in the poultry industry.
Stakeholders are therefore calling for a coordinated policy response involving trade, agriculture, and foreign affairs authorities to restore export access and stabilise the market.
Source: Wesleyannews.com
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