Ghana has a relatively small dairy industry that is currently growing due to the increased demand for dairy products in the country. As a result, many dairy farms are coming up to meet this need.
Overview of the Dairy Industry in Ghana
1. Milk Production
- Ghana produces a significant portion of its dairy products domestically. This portion is however not enough to meet the needs of the entire population, hence the need to import dairy products from outside the country.
2. Increased Consumer Demand
- As Ghana’s population increases, so does the demand for dairy products. As a result, efforts are in place to improve the efficiency of the value chain and to boost local production.
3. Imports
- Because of the increased consumer demand for milk products, Ghana imports milk products from countries like New Zealand.
4. Government Initiatives
- The government of Ghana has put in place various measures aimed at boosting the dairy industry. These include promoting the adoption of modern farming practices, improving breeding programs, and supporting smallholder dairy farmers.
5. Smallholder Farmers
- Most of the dairy farming in Ghana is carried out by smallholder farmers. The output from these farms contributes significantly to Ghana’s dairy needs.
Challenges Faced By the Dairy Industry in Ghana
- Financial Constraints – Many smallholder farmers lack the financial capability required to adopt modern technology that will improve their farming practices or purchase high-quality feeds for their dairy cattle.
- Limited access to quality feeds – Good quality feeds are sometimes too expensive for farmers or may be in short supply.
- Lack of education and training – Many farmers have not received the training and skills they require to be able to practice dairy farming profitably.
- Low milk yields – Dairy farmers in Ghana face the challenge of not having access to high-quality breeds of dairy cattle and not having the required knowledge of good breeding practices, resulting in low milk yields.
- Poor infrastructure – Owners of dairy farms in Ghana may have challenges moving from outdated to modern technology and purchasing modern equipment due to financial constraints.
- Diseases – Inadequate vaccination programs and lack of proper veterinary services contribute to the spread of diseases that affect dairy cattle.
Dairy Cattle Breeds in Ghana
The dairy cattle breeds found at the top 4 dairy farms in Ghana include:
- West African Shorthorn
- Sanga
- Holstein – Friesian
- Crossbreeds
Top 4 Dairy Farms in Ghana
Morning Dew Farm
- Morning Dew Farm is a dairy farm that produces healthy dairy products for the local market.
- This dairy farm is located at Malejor School Junction, Ghana. To get more details, call +233 20 11 9737.
LIPREC University Farm
- LIPREC University Farm, part of the University of Ghana, is one of the top 4 dairy farms in Ghana. It is located at Madina in Ghana and can be reached at +233 24 359 1867.
- This university farm produces the Goyo and Dairyle brands of yogurt.
Hallelujah Farm
- Hallelujah Farm is a dairy farm located in Malejor, Ghana. It has over 100 cattle and manufactures Hallelujah Yogurt.
- This farm is owned by Reverend Ebenezer Adjei.
Amrahia Dairy Farm
- Amrahia Dairy Farm is located in Amrahia in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. It produces fresh yogurt and milk for sale.
- This dairy farm also doubles up as a homestay from where guests can sample farm life firsthand.
As the dairy industry in Ghana grows, the top 4 dairy farms in Ghana will get a few more competitors! Watch this space!