The prices of food stuff keep rising, checks from key market centers across the country is evident. From flour, sugar, margarine to protein stables such as eggs. Traders and consumers are unhappy with the increase.
Looking at the second quarter of the year, the month of June for instance, from Takoradi to Techiman and Tamale prices differ from one market to the other. An olonka of Tomatoes was sold at 25cedis in Takoradi, 19cedis in Tamale and 13cedis in Techiman.
A month into the third quarter, in July into August, same commodity is selling at 32cedis per olonka in Takoradi, 30cedis in Tamale and 17cedis in Techiman. Gari in Takoradi selling at 16cedis per olonka in June increased by 1 cedis in July to August, 8cedis in Tamale now sold at GHC9.80p and in Techiman from 10cedis to 11cedis.
Imported rice sold at 18cedis in Takoradi, 17cedis in Techiman has also increased to 20cedis in Takoradi with a 50 pesewa increase in Techiman. known for its abundant nature, one would expect price of yam (Puna) to either decrease or remain stable in Techiman but it is increased by 1cedi, from GHC2.50p in the month of June currently at GHC3.50p per tuber.
However fresh tubers of cassava per Kilo in Takoradi sold at 3cedis, in Techiman GHC1.40p and in Tamale 5cedis remains unchanged for the third quarter in July into August.Beyond the price increases, fresh stock of these local commodities such as cassava, maize, tomatoes is also absent in these market centers
Meanwhile the Ministry of Food and Agriculture has also linked the current increase in food prices to free ECOWAS trade protocols that have enabled foreign traders to purchase grains at Farm gates
The public relations officer at the ministry, Tanko Bambara in an interview noted the phenomenon coupled with low rainfall from 2020 is to blame.
Source: myghanadaily
