Shoppers at the Takoradi Central Market are grappling with steep increases in the prices of vegetables and other staple food items, as market traders attribute the hikes to rising producer costs and unfavourable weather conditions.
A recent market survey revealed sharp price jumps across a range of popular commodities including onions, plantains, green peppers, okro, and garden eggs.
The situation has left both traders and consumers frustrated, with many struggling to keep up with the changes.
Madam Esi Mansa, a long-time onion trader, said that the wholesale price of onions has surged significantly in recent months, making it difficult for traders to maintain previous retail prices.
“Right now, a sack of onions is selling between GHC1,300 and GHC1,500. A bowl-sized quantity that used to cost GHC100 is now going for between GHC150 and GHC200,” she said.
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“In the past, GHC10 could buy you around 10 to 13 medium-sized bulbs, but now you can’t get that same amount for the same price,” she added.
Other vegetable vendors echoed similar concerns. Madam Marian Mensah, who sells assorted vegetables, attributed part of the price increase to seasonal fluctuations and poor weather affecting crop yields.
“Some of the vegetables are not in season now, and when the weather doesn’t favour farming, it affects both planting and harvesting. That’s when prices shoot up,” she explained.
According to her, a sack of green bell pepper that used to sell for GHC800 is now going for GHC1,200. She added that okro and garden eggs are also becoming more expensive.
Despite the general upward trend, there is some relief for tomato lovers. Madam Grace Obeng, a tomato seller, noted that the price of tomatoes remains relatively stable due to its current availability on the market.
“Tomatoes are in season now, so we’re seeing some price stability. For now, people can still afford them without much difficulty,” she said.
The spike in food prices at the Takoradi market reflects a broader trend across several parts of Ghana, where food inflation and production challenges continue to drive up the cost of living, especially for low-income households who rely heavily on fresh produce.
Traders are urging government and agricultural stakeholders to invest in irrigation and sustainable farming practices to help stabilise production and reduce the impact of weather-related disruptions on food supply.
