There is growing concern among market women at Agbogbloshie over the escalating prices of basic food items, particularly vegetables. The dry season has significantly impacted the availability and quality of produce, leading to a surge in prices that is putting pressure on consumers.
During a visit to the market, traders revealed that the price of essential items like pepper has risen sharply, with one sack now costing as much as GHC2,200. They attributed the price hike to the lack of regular rainfall and the resultant damage to farms, which has led to a scarcity of vegetables.
Market women expressed frustration at being unfairly blamed by buyers for the high prices, emphasizing that the challenges are beyond their control. One trader explained, “It doesn’t rain, so it is making the farmers harvest one or two boxes of vegetables instead of 10 boxes. The cost of transportation and all other costs incurred in the production and carriage are included in the price, which results in the increase, so it is not the fault of the market traders.”
In light of these challenges, market women are calling on the government to allocate more lands for agricultural activities and to implement measures to attract young people to farming. They believe that increasing agricultural production will help stabilize prices and improve food security in the country.
Customers also highlighted the importance of preserving foodstuffs during periods of abundance to prevent wastage and scarcity when certain vegetables are out of season. They emphasized the need for the government to invest in proper storage facilities and techniques to ensure a consistent supply of vegetables throughout the year.
