The Onion Sellers Association of Ghana has allayed fears that Niger’s exit from the Economic Community of West African States might result in higher onion prices.
Despite worries about shortages and a price increase, onion prices have not altered.
The association’s public relations officer, Mr. Ali Umar, stated in an exclusive interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that onions are still being sold at previous market pricing at a number of sales locations in Accra and around the nation.
Ghanaians should be reassured that there hasn’t been a blockade in Niger that has forced a price increase or shortage. As of right now, everything is good and running properly.
“There isn’t a problem; we currently have enough onions to provide the nation. We are completely aware of Niger’s decision to leave ECOWAS, but it hasn’t had any impact on the availability of onions,” he stated.
In a joint statement on January 28, 2024, Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso announced their departure from the sub-regional organization, giving various justifications, such as the bloc’s abandonment of its primary goal and submission to external powers.
In nations that depend on exports from the three nations, experts have warned of a possible food crisis.
Notwithstanding false reports of an impending blockage, Mr. Umar gave Ghanaians his word that onion prices would be unchanged.
When ECOWAS first sanctioned Niger in July of last year, the price of imported onions and other agricultural products increased.
