The ongoing debate about yam prices has been addressed by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), which revealed that yam prices increased by 67.2% in October 2024 compared to October 2023, according to the latest Consumer Price Index report. Even month-on-month, October saw a 2.7% increase in yam prices compared to September.
GSS data since January shows a consistent rise in yam prices, except for a brief dip in September during the new yam season. However, that September dip was still 59% higher than the previous year’s prices.
Public attention turned to the rising cost of yam when renowned MC Kwesi Kyere Darkwa shared his experience on social media, stating that a tuber of yam was selling for GH¢60 in Tema. While some supported his claim, others accused him of exaggeration, stating that his price point could only be accurate for high-end markets like those near upscale hotels.
The GSS data provides a clear picture of inflation trends for yam, a crop largely grown locally. The significant price increase throughout 2024 reflects broader concerns about food security in Ghana, with yam prices rising even in harvest seasons. This has sparked criticism of the government’s agricultural initiative, “Planting for Food and Jobs” (PFJ). Since its launch in 2017, GH¢2.9 billion has been invested in the programme as of September 2023, with an additional GH¢3.3 billion budgeted for 2024 under PFJ Phase II.
Agriculture Minister Bryan Acheampong has argued that the PFJ programme helped stave off severe food shortages. However, stakeholders and critics remain concerned about the rising prices of locally produced food, including yam, despite the significant government investments aimed at boosting agricultural productivity. The debate over yam prices underscores the need for continued scrutiny of food security policies and the impact on local economies, nutrition and health.
