As the number of Corona Virus cases continue to soar in the country, prices for key staple foods are increasing at the major markets in the Western Region.
Prices of tubers of yam, plantain, cassava, and gari have all increased and it is likely the trend will continue as the pandemic erodes customers’ purchasing power.
Trading activities at Market Circle in Takoradi, Mmeseafo Guam in Tarkwa, and Beposo Markets in Shama District have been affected following an increase in prices of these staples.
A tuber of yam is now sold at GH₵15 to GH₵20 from GH₵12, gari which was initially sold at GH₵10 is now sold at GH₵20 to GH₵30 and the price of plantain is now sold at GH₵30 from GH₵20.
Some market women who spoke to Skyy News attributed the development to low production by farmers. The knock-on effect of the limited farm produce, they say is that the few available for the markets become expensive.
Some also attributed it to the mad rush by people buying in large quantities over the fear of a lockdown, affected pricing.
Whatever the reasons are, the only language consumers understand is affordable pricing. Some consumers shared their experience with Skyy News.
“I have been here since morning and I can’t buy anything, the prices are just unbearable’’, said Aba, a consumer who spoke to Skyy News.
Meanwhile, some market women say, while they wish they could reduce prices of foodstuffs, but it is just not possible considering how much they pay for the foodstuff and the cost of storage and transportation.
They say the development cannot only be attributed to the COVID 19 pandemic adding that some commodities already had their prices increased before the pandemic.
‘‘It’s difficult to get these staple foods in large quantities so after spending a lot of money to get it we have adjusted the prices especially when there is a high demand for the commodity’’ said Abena, a tomato seller.
There is hope that the pandemic will be soon dealt with by authorities but until then customers have to wait a while longer.
Source: Nana Yaw Kumi.
