Ghana: Fresh harvests drive tuber price fluctuations

Published 2021년 6월 25일

Tridge summary

The article reports on the fluctuating prices of staple foods like yam, cassava, and cocoyam in the Eastern Region of Ghana, a situation attributed to the new crop season, weather conditions, and economic challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The rising costs of fuel and the unpredictable weather leading to crop losses have resulted in significant price increases for these staples, with a small sack of cassava now costing three to four times more than the original price, and yam prices doubling or tripling. These rising food prices are affecting the livelihoods and purchasing power of consumers, leading to complaints about the quality of produce in the markets and the economic strain on businesses.

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Original content

Prices of yam, cassava, and cocoyam have been fluctuating in the markets of West Akyem, East Akyem, and New Juaben South due to the new harvests for the 2021 crop season. The prices of tubers in key towns of the Eastern Region remained unstable this June, though there had been some increases in fuel prices which has sparked a marginal transport fare rise. Marketers in a survey conducted by Ghana News Agency in Asamankese, Kyebi, and Koforidua ascribed the unstable price situation to the new crop season and varying weather conditions, giving way for fresh crop released unto the market. Several of them also blamed the situation on economic hardships as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic which has brought most economies on their knees as world leaders and scientists battle for an antidote. The survey in Asamankese showed that yam and cassava prices were unstable in the local markets with a medium-size of yam which used to cost GH¢ 5.00 in January 2021 now GH¢ 10.00, ...

Source: Ghanaweb