The situation is forcing many vendors to dispose of the perishable goods as some traders say they are beginning to record low sales and cannot break even.

Luv Business engaged actors in the value chain as experts predict an influx of the commodities in the coming months.

“Two of the carrots are selling at 15 Ghana cedis and four of the green peppers go for 5 cedis,” Helen, a vegetable trader, at the Ejisu market explains the costs of the varieties of vegetables she sells.

“I can’t sell this small quantity at a lesser price because I won’t break even,” she added.

Dorcas, also a vendor, sells cabbage, lettuce and other vegetables at the market.

The cost of her commodities has shot up twice the usual price.

“You could get more for the vegetables you buy. But now you will get less,” she lamented.

Prices of vegetables have in recent times increased astronomically, seeing an almost 100% price surge.

The traders attribute the price hike to the scarcity of the commodities and cost involved in transporting them from neighboring countries.

“We import some from Asante Mampong and others from Morocco. They are scarce because of the low rainfall. The lorry fares have also shot up the price,” the traders said.

Ghana has over the years imported a number of its farm produce like vegetables from neighboring countries including Côte D’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali.

The incessant taste for foreign produce begs the question, “what is happening to the agricultural sector?”

Experts attribute the dwindling sector growth to the changing weather pattern and other logistical support for industry players, especially farmers.

Director of Agriculture in the Ejisu municipality, Dr. David Anambam says the reduced supply of the commodities is a major factor contributing to the soaring prices.

He says a farming system dependent on irrigation is needed for all-year-round production to promote agriculture in Ghana.

“Many farmers are not working now during the off season especially those without irrigation. Because there are a few left and the demand is more than the supply, it will surely shoot up. If you want to promote agriculture under rainfed agriculture, I don’t think so,” he said.

Anthony Okyere, a vegetable farmer in the Ejisu municipality, like many farmers across the country is faces existential threats to his inherited farming business.

“The high sun intensity burnt all the crops. I nearly gave up after seeing my farm,” he sadly recounted.

For centuries, farming in Ghana has solely been dependent on rainfall, which agricultural experts say is a bane to the growth of the sector.

An agricultural economist at the Crops Research Institute of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Dr. Natson Eyram Amengor is proffering possible solutions to the perennial challenge.

“If we want an immediate solution, it would be on improving the access roads and for long term, we should look at moving away from rainfed agriculture. We must enhance our storage and processing systems. Most often there are not storage facilities, so during the times where there is abundance of foodstuff, they go waste,” he said.

The increased prices of the commodities are heavily affecting their sales as the traders begin to experience low sales and post-harvest losses.

“Our commodities are spoil. We have to dispose them of,” Dorcas, the vegetable trader, added.

But despite the prevailing scarcity and challenging economic climate, vegetable consumers and traders should expect an ease soon.

“Somewhere in June-July we should expect more vegetables on the markets once the farmers begin to have the rains,” Dr. Anambam assured.

For the time being, lovers and vendors of vegetables must bear the brunt of soaring commodity prices.

They shared their concerns about the escalation of prices of commodities to the Ghanaian Times during a survey at the afore­mentioned markets in Accra.

At the Kaneshie market, 30 pieces of tomatoes which used to be sold for GH¢20 was now sold at the same amount for six pieces, while a basket of tomatoes which was sold for GH¢50 and GH¢60 has gone up significantly, trading at GH¢600 and GH¢700.

Also, a cup of beans which was sold at GH¢6 now goes up to GH¢8, while a kilogram of rice which was sold for GH¢12 now pegged at GH¢20,

The Ghanaian Times further ob­served that a sizeable onion which was sold at 50p and GH¢1, was now selling from GH¢2 and above, while a tuber of yam which was sold at GH¢8 and GH¢7 now sells at GH¢14, GH¢15, and GH¢20, depending on its type and size.

At the Mallam Atta Market, four pieces of Okra which was sold at GH¢1 two months ago, now sells at GH¢2 for three pieces, while turkey berries which was sold at GH¢2 now sells at GH¢4 and GH¢5.

A sack of cassava was initially sold at GH¢150 and GH¢200, now sells at GH¢250 and GH¢350 depending on the size.

However, 15 pieces of cassava which was sold at GH¢20 two months ago now sells at the same amount for six pieces.

Mrs Olivia Antwi, a customer at the market, told the Ghanaian Times that the soaring cost of food commodities had made it difficult to manage her household expenses.

“It’s becoming increasingly difficult to manage our household expenses with these relentless price increases,” she lamented.

According to her, she found it difficult to provide food for the family as her “housekeeping mon­ey” of GH¢100 could not match the increasing price of food commodities on the market.

“I’ve tried to cut corners wher­ever I can, buying cheaper cuts of meat, opting for store-brand products, but there’s only so much I can do,” she added.

Mrs Abena Adobea, a fried yam seller at the Odawna market, blamed the surge of the price of yam on the transportation cost from the urban centres.

“My husband’s income hasn’t increased, but our expenses keep rising. It feels like we’re constantly playing catch-up, trying to stretch every cedi to cover basic necessi­ties”, she said.

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Onion prices have remained unchanged, despite concerns of a price increase and shortages.

In an exclusive interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Mr Ali Umar, Public Relations Officer for the association, said that onions are still being sold at prior market prices at various sales outlets in Accra and throughout the country.

“We want to assure Ghanaians that there has not been any blockade in Niger to necessitate a price increment or shortage. Right now, everything is going smoothly, and all is well.

“We have enough onions to supply the country right now, so there is no problem. We are fully aware of Niger’s exit from ECOWAS, but it has not affected onion supply in any way,” he said. 

Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso announced their withdrawal from the sub-regional body in a joint communiqué on January 28, 2024, citing several reasons, including the bloc’s abandonment of its fundamental objective and bowing to foreign powers.

Experts have warned of a potential food crisis in countries that rely on exports from the three countries.

Mr. Umar assured Ghanaians that onion prices will remain stable despite misleading allegations of an imminent blockade. ECOWAS initially sanctioned Niger in July of last year, causing a price increase in onions and other agricultural products imported from the country.

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His comment comes after heightened calls for a reduction in the prices of goods and services after the cedi appreciated against the dollar.

Dr Spio-Garbrah said a price-regulated environment will help curb the insensitive profiteering by some traders.

“There are things about our country that do not make prices of goods stable and give people a free for all environment. Anybody can sell anything to you at any price. It doesn’t happen in many countries. Those are regulated environments some of which we must introduce to curb astronomical increases in prices which we don’t seem to have control over,” he told Citi News.

The Ghana cedi gained some significant strength against the US dollar with prices of fuel also recording substantial reduction.

Already, President Akufo-Addo has also appealed to the business community to reduce the prices.

In view of this, President Akufo-Addo said, it is just fair for prices of goods and services to be reduced, taking into consideration, the gains the cedi is recording.

“I add my voice to those of GUTA, GRTCC and others, to appeal to manufacturers, traders and transport operators, that with the height of the cedi’s recent depreciation and increased prices of goods and services, to reduce their prices of goods and services now that the cedi is regaining much of its strength. I believe this is not only a fair request but also a just one.”

The business owners say ingredients such as oil, meat and vegetables are taking a toll on their operations.

They want the government to intervene before the end of November to avert the unpleasant experience for customers.

Sam Charles, who speaks for the group, told Nhyira FM’s Obidehyie Ofori Amanfo that dishing out soup and stew for free at restaurants is killing their businesses.

“We are giving the government up to the end of this month, if things continue like this, then be ready to put money aside to buy soup and stew. We can’t give these for free and run at a loss. It is not easy. What wrong have we done for giving our power to one person to lead us?” he questioned.

“When someone talks about it, they say the person has been bribed, you will come and buy soup to taste the reality too,” he added.

Sam Charles said some staff of restaurants are losing their jobs as businesses struggle to sustain operations.

“We have now started laying off our workers, because we can’t pay them. We are running at a loss. Now when you come to the restaurant, you pick your bowl and wash, so you buy your food with it.”

The food industry falls under the Tourism Ministry, but the entrepreneurs said there has been no support system.

He expressed worry about the future of the food industry.

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“The food industry falls under the tourism industry, but they have neglected us and are concentrating only on creative art.

“When the government initiated the year of return, most of the visitors were mostly talking about our local foods. But the tourism industry doesn’t care about us, even for training they don’t give to us often. We have been struggling on our own,” he lamented.

According to the Association, the depreciation of the Ghanaian cedi as against the American dollar has greatly affected their patronage of the business.

President of the Ghana Drunkards Association, Moses Onyah (Dry Bone), speaking to Kasapa News revealed that, in the past, Ghc5 worth of “akpeteshie” could get them fully drunk, but with the recent increase in prices, they have to spend at least GHc15 before they are fully drunk.

Moses Dry Bone indicated that the association has a large number of members and if they withdraw patronage, it will greatly affect the beverage industry.

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He, therefore, urged government to intervene to save the industry as thousands are likely to halt business.

The actor/entrepreneur posted on Twitter on Tuesday saying: “prices have increased across board. Phone credit, water, electricity and even Fanmilk.”

“Ghana we dey,” he added.

Prices have increased across board. Phone credit, water, electricity and even Fanmilk. Ghana we dey. ??

— MrDumelo (@johndumelo1) October 1, 2019

Prices have increased across board. Phone credit, water, electricity and even Fanmilk. Ghana we dey. 4,2493:32 PM – Oct 1, 2019 Twitter Ads info and privacy 883 people are talking about this

Dumelo’s outpour is among the lot that since the spree of price increases.

Transport fares went up by 10% last month. The transport unions said the increase was because the various components that go into the running of commercial transport services have gone up.

The telecommunication also began charging extra fees from October 1 following the increase of Communication Service Tax (CST) to 9% earlier this year.

In a statement, the Chamber of Telcos said consumers will feel the difference.

“As intended, the incidence of the modification will thus be on consumers. It will impact the cost of telecommunication services.”

“For every GH¢1 of recharge purchased, a 9% CST fee will be charged leaving ¢0.93 for the purchase of products and services.” The statement said in part.

Source: Myjoyonline.com