Mr. Ralph Ayitey, CEO of Coconut Grove Regency Hotel, has called on the hospitality industry to join him in championing Ghanaian products, particularly locally produced poultry.
Speaking at the launch of the Ghana Poultry Festival 2025 in Accra on Tuesday, April 15, at the Tourist Information Centre, Mr. Ayitey emphasized the significant potential of Ghana’s poultry sector in boosting the country's economy.
He underscored the importance of offering guests locally sourced products, rather than relying on imported chicken. "Tourists come to Ghana to experience Ghana, including our food," Ayitey explained. "They want to try what we produce. Let’s be intentional about it." He mentioned that his hotel, which has been operating for over 25 years, has consciously chosen to serve locally sourced products like poultry, fruit juices, fresh fish, and furniture.
"Serving what we produce locally has been a key factor in our success," Ayitey shared. "We’ve made a point of offering local fruit juices, fresh fish from Elmina, and Tilapia from the Volta Lake. Now, we encourage all hospitality businesses to join us in supporting locally raised poultry to help our country thrive."
Mr. Ayitey pointed out the detrimental impact of importing poultry on the Ghanaian economy, noting that over 600,000 imported chickens are consumed daily. "This isn’t just about chicken," he said. "It’s about jobs. It’s about creating a Ghana that feeds itself, employs its own, and contributes to the economy through taxes. Let’s build a stronger Ghana."
He highlighted the theme of this year’s Poultry Day Festival, "Investing in the Local Poultry Sector: A Means to Creating Jobs, Promoting Agritourism, and Improving Food Security," as more than just a slogan but a blueprint for national transformation. He called on the government to partner with the private sector in supporting the local poultry industry, including providing tax incentives, affordable financing, and developing cold chain infrastructure.
His message is clear: promoting local poultry isn’t just about consumer preference, but also about creating jobs and driving economic growth. "When Ghana’s poultry industry thrives, the entire country benefits, in food security, job creation, health, agritourism, and economic growth," he said.
Ayitey also noted that Ghana imports over 600,000 chickens daily, with an average weight of 1.2kg each, even as the country has 592,000 unemployed citizens. "Doesn’t that add up?" he questioned. "This isn’t just about poultry. It’s about creating a self-sufficient Ghana that feeds itself, provides employment, and supports local businesses. Let’s build our homeland Ghana."
His call to action is simple: "Let’s make Ghanaian chicken the preferred choice. Let’s proudly say: Ghana Chicken is Fresh. Healthy. Safe. Ghanaian." As National Treasurer of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), Mr. Ayitey believes that by promoting locally raised poultry, Ghana can cultivate a thriving industry that benefits both the economy and its people.
About the Ghana Poultry Day Festival
The Ghana Poultry Day Festival aims to promote the consumption of locally produced poultry while highlighting its nutritional and medicinal benefits. The event also seeks to raise awareness about the poultry sector’s role in creating jobs, ensuring food security, and driving economic growth. The festival is organized in collaboration with the Ghana Poultry Farmers Association, the Ghana Egg Secretariat, the National Farmers and Fishermen Award Winners Association, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, and other key stakeholders.
The 5th edition of the festival will take place at the forecourt of the State House on July 1, 2025.
