Traders of local commodities have said that prices for seasonal commodities have been swinging due to their availability despite the recent recording of lowest inflation of 8.0% since June 2021.
Speaking with some local commodity traders by Agriwatch news, the traders asserted that the availability of locally grown commodities, their subsequent supply and prices in the market are determined by their seasons. As such, prices are not certainly determined as their prevalence come with cheaper prices and vice versa when there is scarcity.
A tomato seller emphasized that tomatoes come with cheaper prices in their season and expensive off season. In Ghana, tomatoes are harvested between January to March. This peak period is characterized by a high availability in the the market making it economical and affordable to Ghanaians.
The rainy season which runs through April to September exerts adverse effects on crops lives causing a decline in their prevalence and prices. However, plantain sellers said, October to December is the major season for plantain which becomes plentiful in the market causing a sharp drop in prices and supply.
“A shortage of plantain in the market caused a bunch of it to be priced at GH₵250.00 and even more but you can now get some at GH₵50.00 while Plantain slices are now sold for GH₵5” a plantain seller emphasized.
Most commodities follow the same pattern making their prices uncertain and unpredictable.
Food items such as yams, garden eggs, cassava, cocoyam, and many others happen to be the same.
Ghanaians enjoy and cope with the swinging moments in locally grown commodity prices in the country.
The traders linked the issue of food availability only in their seasons is as a result of over reliance of natural rains, less prioritization and practice of irrigation, transportation cost, crops diseases break out, input cost and others persistently affects prices and supply.
The traders called on the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku to look into the situation and engage stakeholders to find lasting solution to boom food security in the country.
