Poultry Association Blames Market Queens for Egg Price Disparity as Farm-Gate Rates Remain at GH¢40

The Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Accra Poultry Farmers Association, Ali Muhammed, has pointed fingers at market intermediaries, specifically "Market Queens," for the persistently high retail prices of eggs, arguing that consumers are being denied the benefits of lower farm-gate rates.

Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, Muhammed revealed that while farmers sell a crate of eggs for between GH¢40 and GH¢45, consumers in Accra and other areas are paying significantly more, with some traders allegedly adding as much as GH¢20 to the price before the product reaches the final buyer .

"The market intermediaries are actually the ones who are making things expensive," Muhammed said. "If you look at the egg here, this is a farm-gate price, GH¢40 or GH¢45, and I’m sure in your area, you won’t get this egg even at GH¢50" .

Inflation vs. Reality

Muhammed questioned the disconnect between official inflation figures and the reality on the ground, noting that single-digit inflation claims have not translated into relief for ordinary consumers. He dismissed transportation costs as the sole justification for the wide margin, stating, "You can’t tell me transporting a crate of eggs will cost you GH¢5. It doesn’t happen" .

He argued that unless pricing practices within the distribution chain are addressed, broader government interventions aimed at reducing inflation will have limited impact. "You may put on the best policies, but if the market queens and the market intermediaries continue to fleece the consumer public, you will never see the impact," he added .

AgriFair Resistance and Calls for Reasonable Margins

The association’s concerns were underscored by events at the 2025 AgriFair, where farmers attempted to sell directly to consumers at the lower farm-gate price of GH¢40. According to Muhammed, the move encountered resistance from some market traders who viewed the direct sales as a threat to their businesses. Some traders reportedly bought large quantities for resale, prompting organizers to limit purchases to 20 crates per buyer to ensure more consumers could benefit .

Despite the tension, Muhammed clarified that farmers are not opposed to traders making a profit, but he called for reasonable margins rather than what he described as abnormal profits. "We are not saying sell at the same farm-gate price. Certainly, you are in business. But this is our time to also make some. Making a reasonable margin rather than making an abnormal profit. Where’s the line that we are defining?" he questioned .

Background: Production Gains and Cost Pressures

The pricing debate comes amid a complex backdrop for Ghana’s poultry sector. Earlier this year, the government reported a significant increase in domestic poultry production, which contributed to an oversupply of eggs in the local market . However, farmers have also warned of rising input costs, particularly for imported feed ingredients like maize and soya, which they project could lead to a 15% increase in poultry prices ahead of the Christmas festivities .

The association is expected to renew its push for direct consumer access at the upcoming 2026 AgriFair, organized by Channel One TV and Citi FM. The event is scheduled to take place at the Efua Sutherland Children’s Park in Accra from November 27 to 29 .