Ghana: Dairy imports hit US$400m, as local demand soars amid untapped prospects

Published Nov 8, 2022

Tridge summary

Ghana imports over $400 million worth of dairy products annually due to a stagnant local dairy industry and rising demand for fresh milk. The country's milk production is low, with most cows producing less than 3 liters of milk per day, compared to special breeds in other countries that can produce up to 30 liters. The government's plan to import cattle from the United States to boost the industry has not yet materialized. The Ghana National Association of Cattle Farmers is seeking investment to focus on special breeds and technology for milk production, aiming to reduce the country's reliance on imported dairy products.

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Original content

Dairy import data from the Ghana National Association of Cattle Farmers (GNACAF) indicate that the country imports in excess of US$400million dairy products annually, as demand for fresh milk and other dairy products rise. Despite this increasing demand, the local dairy industry is stagnating; thereby creating a deficit that can only be offset by importation. Whereas special breeds have been grown and nurtured in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa and the west to give a maximum 30 litres and minimum 15 litres of fresh milk per cow each day, the situation is different in Ghana according to the GNACAF. The president of GNACAF, Imam Hanafi Sonde, confirmed to B&FT that just about eight out of every 100 milk-cows in Ghana are able to give 3 litres of fresh milk per day; a phenomenon that he said demands more investment into domestic production to lessen the country’s reliance on foreign dairy imports. The need to focus on milk “The reason for low milk production is due to focus on meat, ...

Source: Thebftonline