Prices of Eggs Tripled In less than a decade.

By: Abigail Oparebea Boateng & Ama Jochebed  The Agriprenuer Newsletter

Dormaa Ahenkro is a hub for egg production and the largest supplier of eggs in Ghana. However, it is alarming to learn that recently the price of eggs in Dormaa Ahenkro is equally expensive as it is in busy towns like Accra and its environs. Specifically, in 2018/2019, an egg of roughly 60mm (2.3 inches) in length was priced at 0.50 pesewas in Dormaa Ahenkro, meanwhile, it is now priced at GH¢ 2.00 in 2023, indicating that the price of an egg has tripled in less than a decade. Some blame it on the current inflation of goods in the country which has affected practically the price of everything, including the maize and other major ingredients required for manufacturing poultry feed. This has resulted in most farms folding up subsequently leading to a price rise of eggs in the market.

These few firms now operating due to firms having folded up prefer to sell their eggs to Cote d'Ivoire which happens to be Ghana’s neighboring country and urban areas in Ghana. Most farmers disclosed that Cote d'Ivoire and wholesalers from urban cities in Ghana such as Accra offer prices that are more enticing than those offered in Dormaa Ahenkro hence why they prefer selling to them, rather than the residents of Dormaa Ahenkro and its environs. This has resulted in an egg shortage in Dormaa Ahenkro, causing egg prices to rise as demand surpasses supply. 

Generally, the prices of eggs are on the rise as the cost of production continues to increase and firms continue to fold up. This is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed with urgency. In addressing this issue, the key focus should be on planting for food and jobs (PFJ) and subsidizing inputs for farmers to minimize the cost of raw materials needed for the manufacturing of poultry feed, as the high cost of eggs is attributable to the feeding of poultry birds. If this issue is not addressed, the remaining firms will be out of business and the country will have to import eggs to meet the country’s demand. It is crucial that the government of Ghana take urgent action to address this situation.