Despite recent reductions in fuel prices, food prices in Accra’s bustling central business district (CBD) remain stubbornly high, with traders blaming transport cartels and supply chain inefficiencies for the lack of relief to consumers.
A spot check at Makola and Okaishie markets on Friday June 27, revealed mixed feelings among traders and shoppers alike. While fuel prices have dropped by an average of 5% over the past two weeks, the ripple effect is yet to reach market stalls.
“No change at all,” says worried shopper
Portia Bamfo, a seamstress buying vegetables at Makola, shook her head after paying GH¢40 for a small basket of garden eggs, GH¢30 for a bowl of tomatoes, and GH¢20 for three medium onions.
“I expected prices to reduce when fuel dropped. But everything is still the same. Last week, I spent GH¢80; today, I spent GH¢90. It’s very frustrating. My salary hasn’t increased but prices keep rising.” she lamented.
Adiza Sulemana, a tomato seller who has traded at Makola for over a decade, confirmed that while buyers are still coming, purchases have reduced in volume.
“People buy, but they now buy small-small. Fuel has come down, but transport prices are the same. Drivers say they buy from unions, and there is no reduction. So I also keep my prices because we pay the same cost to bring tomatoes from Techiman.” she noted.
She explained that a full box of tomatoes now sells for GH¢2,200 compared to GH¢1,900 last month, despite the minor fuel relief.
At Okaishie, Jerome Mawusi, a boutique owner shopping for groceries, expressed disappointment at the market reality.
“Every time fuel goes up, prices go up. But when fuel drops, prices remain the same, we are tired of these excuses from transport owners and traders. Government must ensure reductions reflect in food prices because we can’t survive like this.” he argued.
He revealed he has cut back on buying beef and fish, focusing instead on plant-based protein options for his family of four.
However, Lydia Ayamba, a yam trader from Ejura, defended market women. “We also suffer. Transport owners don’t reduce fares. A sack of yam that cost GH¢1,200 to transport two months ago is the same price now,” she explained.
She added that while fuel is a factor, other hidden costs, including market tolls, loading fees, and night levies, continue to rise. “Until all these reduce, food prices cannot come down,” she asserted.
Muted impact despite policy promises
Market analysts observe that the fuel price reduction has not yet impacted the food value chain due to entrenched pricing habits, informal sector cartels, and delayed policy transmission.
Traders say unless transport unions pass on reductions, prices will remain sticky downwards. Government should engage haulage associations to ensure benefits reach end of consumers.
Market snapshot (June 28, 2025):
Tomatoes: GH¢40 per small bowl (same as last week)
Garden eggs: GH¢30 per bowl (+GH¢5)
Onions: GH¢20 for three medium bulbs (no change)
Yam (medium tuber): GH¢25 each (+GH¢2)
As shoppers navigate rising living costs and traders struggle with high operational expenses, Ghana’s CBD markets remain resilient yet tense. Fuel price drops alone appear insufficient to ease food inflation, with deeper supply chain interventions needed to bring true relief to kitchen tables.
