Unstable prices for seasonal farm produce in Accra markets

In Ghana, some farm produce are seasonal and expected to be very affordable when in season. Typically, around August, tomatoes, yams, pepper, okro, plantain, watermelons and cassava should be in abundance. However, this pattern seems to be changing.

To assess the current prices of some seasonal foodstuff, The Mirror visited a number of markets in Accra on Tuesday and Wednesday (August 6 and 7, 2024). 
The markets included Madina, Texpo (Spintex), Kaneshie, Odawna, Agbogbloshie, CMB and Makola.
 Although tomatoes, yams, okro, garden eggs, kontomire, and watermelons were abundant, their prices were not stable and depended on the market.
Tomatoes are in season, causing prices to drop from GH₵650 per basket to GH₵300. Just two weeks ago, three small tomatoes were sold for GH₵20, causing unease among domestic and commercial users. 
Fresh yams were also in season, but a medium tuber cost GH₵40, while three cost GH₵90 at the Odawna and Agbogbloshie markets. The same size of yam sold between GH₵60 and GH₵80 around Spintex and Tema.
The price of okro has dropped from three pieces for GH₵2 to three pieces for GH₵1. A large basket can be bought for GH₵100, while a medium basket costs GH₵20. Prices for garden eggs and fresh pepper have not unchanged much, with half a medium-sized basket of garden eggs selling for GH₵50 and a handful for GH₵10.
For the past three months, prices of green, yellow, and red Scotch bonnet and habanero peppers have been high, with half a margarine tin costing GH₵10 and a basketful GH₵350.
Onions are becoming very expensive as they are out of season, with a basketful costing GH₵350. For those who love kontomire, the price has dropped from GH₵20 per bunch to GH₵5. However, the prices of cocoyam and sweet potatoes have increased, with four small pieces of both selling for GH₵10.
At the various fruit markets The Mirror visited, a medium-sized watermelon cost GH₵40, while four medium mangoes were sold for GH₵50. A quarter of a medium-sized basket of oranges costs GH₵120, and three medium-sized pineapples are GH₵20.
Regarding meat products, a pound of goat meat cost GH₵40, boneless beef is GH₵35, bone-in is GH₵30, and a full medium goat (dressed) is GH₵800. A full medium-sized dressed chicken is GH₵160, and a crate of eggs costs between GH₵70 and GH₵100.
When asked about the high cost of some seasonal foods such as yams, tomatoes, and garden eggs, market women attributed it to changing weather patterns.
 According to a yam trader at Agbogbloshie market, Madam Sadatu Moro, "In recent times, the northern part of Ghana has not experienced enough rainfall, making it difficult for farmers to produce enough yams. Additionally, transportation costs are high, doubling the price by the time the yams reach Accra."
In a phone conversation with another yam and beans trader in Tamale, Madam Kande Moro, she said a big tuber of yam cost between GH₵20 and GH₵30, while three small tubers sold for GH₵70. A bowl of beans in Tamale costs GH₵80.
 "Three of the big ones are also GH₵100. This year, the prices of yams, beans and groundnuts are extremely high," she said.

Writer’s email: hadiza.quansah@gmail.com or hadiza.quansah@graphic.com.gh