The recent spike in the price of plantain across Ghana is the result of a complex interplay of poor rainfall patterns, low yields, high transportation costs, and limited storage options, according to the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG).
In an interview with The High Street Journal, (THSJ), Mr. Bismark Nortey, Executive Director of PFAG, said farmers are still recovering from poor yields recorded in the last planting season due to erratic rainfall.
“We are still relying on a limited supply of plantains from the last season. Because of the cloudy conditions, we didn’t get enough sunlight, which affected growth. Only a few matured properly, and many were lost during the early stages,” he explained.
The situation has been compounded by rising transportation costs. Moving plantains from farming communities such as Goaso and other parts of the Bono and Ahafo Regions to urban centers like Accra and Kumasi now comes at a cost.
“When plantain is in abundance, you could buy a whole bunch for 10 cedis in the farming areas. But once it’s transported to the cities, the price can shoot up to 25 or 30 cedis due to transport and market costs,” Nortey noted.
He added that post-harvest losses also play a role. “By the time the plantains reach the markets, some spoil in transit. This loss forces traders to increase prices on the remaining stock just to break even.”
In response to questions about PFAG’s ability to influence policy or stabilize prices, Mr. Nortey admitted the association has no direct control over pricing.
He emphasized that unless consistent rains or effective irrigation systems are introduced, price hikes are likely to continue.
“Plantain has a short shelf life, sometimes just three days to a week. If we had processing options or better irrigation, farmers could keep producing even during dry spells. But as it stands now, farmers can’t produce much in the lean season, and the little that is available becomes expensive.”
When THSJ asked whether storage was a viable solution, Nortey acknowledged it’s difficult. “Plantains spoil quickly unless processed. Without value addition or cold chain systems, storage isn’t really an option.”
The PFAG believes the long-term solution lies in improving irrigation infrastructure and integrating climate-resilient agricultural planning into national policy.
“If we can use data to anticipate weather patterns and invest in irrigation systems, we can reduce these extreme price fluctuations,” Mr. Nortey said.
Until then, consumers should expect plantain prices to remain high, at least until the next major harvest or unless the rains return in full force.
