The severe drought in northern Ghana has triggered a significant rise in millet prices, putting immense pressure on local businesses in parts of Accra, like in Alajo for instance..
Sister Farida, a porridge seller, described the sharp increase in millet costs—from 12 cedis to 20 cedis, then 25 cedis, and now a staggering 37 cedis per full cup measure.
She also mentioned that beans, one of the main ingredients used for making bean cake, (popularly called “koose”) have seen a similar rise, with prices jumping from 20 cedis to 60 cedis, and in some cases, reaching 65 cedis per cup.
When asked why the prices had escalated, Sister Farida said that the cereal suppliers explained it was due to the drought. They told her that they struggle to import cereals, as the drought has reduced availability.
“Things have become expensive because they don’t even get cereals to import anymore,” she recounted, explaining the challenges faced by suppliers.
Despite these rising costs, Sister Farida continues to sell her porridge at the unchanged price of 2 cedis, while other sellers in nearby areas have increased their prices to 3 cedis, and some even as high as 5 cedis.
Her hesitation stems from her fear of losing her loyal customers, particularly the children who frequent her stall. Her mother, who once profited from selling porridge, has advised her to raise the prices of her porridge and koose to reflect the cost increases. However, sister Farida remains unsure, balancing the need to stay competitive with the desire to keep her customers.
Sister Farida also expressed frustration with the current government, placing blame on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for the challenges faced by businesses like hers. She said that under former president John Mahama, these kinds of price surges were not experienced.
In her view, the government’s policies have contributed to the current economic difficulties that small businesses like hers are facing.
