Traders welcome pockets of price relief
Traders across some markets in Accra have welcomed the slight reductions in the prices of some essential food items following the gradual easing of inflation.
They, however, said the improvement was yet to fully translate into increased sales.
This came to light during a market survey, which sought to assess traders’ views on current economic conditions and the extent to which the 2026 Budget would address their concerns.
Makola
At the Markola Market, two women, Vida Haruna and Christiana Kyerewaa, who trade in corn dough and cassava dough, indicated that prices of their produce had gone down now compared to last year.
They said the prices of maize and cassava used in preparing the dough had stabilised, allowing them to maintain or slightly reduce their selling prices.
They, however, said patronage remained considerably low.
Ms Haruna explained that even though their products were not heavily affected by inflation, customers now bought in smaller quantities or had stopped buying altogether for reasons they could not figure out.
Kyerewaa shared similar sentiments, explaining that although they were relieved that their production costs had stabilised, business was slow, with consumers trickling in.
Their experience appeared to reflect the broader national picture, as recent data from the Ghana Statistical Service indicated that food inflation declined to nine per cent by the third quarter of 2025, down from the peak of 32.2 per cent recorded in late 2023.
The decline is expected to ease pressure on households but traders insisted that although some prices have dropped, the financial situation of many consumers remains constrained, making it difficult for them to feel the impact of the macroeconomic indicators.
Onion market
At the onion market, traders confirmed that they had also seen considerable reductions in prices when compared to the previous two years.
They explained that a bag of onions that sold for over GH¢1,000 in 2024 was being sold for significantly less, depending on where the onions were coming from.
Despite the price reduction, onion sellers said the market was unusually slow, with activity falling far below expectations for this time of the year.
One of the traders, Hajia Fuseina, said that they had anticipated increased patronage once prices came down, but the slowdown in economic activity had overshadowed the expected gains.
She added that the 2026 Budget had not highlighted measures specifically targeted at the challenges faced by traders, particularly those dealing in perishable goods who incur frequent losses due to inadequate storage and rising transport costs.
Eggs
Meanwhile, the price of eggs continues to rise despite the easing of inflation in other areas.
A crate of eggs now sells between GH¢50 and GH¢80, depending on the size of the eggs and the location of purchase.
Egg sellers attributed the increase to higher feed costs and the rising expenses poultry farmers face, including transportation, electricity and medication for birds.
One egg retailer explained that farmers had been forced to raise their prices to keep their businesses afloat, which in turn forced traders to sell at higher rates despite frequent complaints from customers.
She said eggs remained one of the most affordable sources of protein for many households and the continuous price increase had affected consumption patterns.
Tomato and pepper sellers described their market situation as highly unstable and unpredictable.
They explained that prices changed weekly due to seasonal variations, inconsistent supply from farming areas and the rising cost of transporting.
A tomato seller said she often bought produce at one price only to find that the market price had changed the next day, making it difficult to plan or operate profitably.
She said that although the budget mentioned investments in agriculture and support for crop production, the instability in tomato and pepper prices suggested that the interventions had not yet addressed the underlying issues affecting the supply chain.
A significant number of traders admitted that they did not follow the presentation of the 2026 Budget.
They explained that budget statements often focused on broad economic themes rather than issues affecting market women directly.
One trader said she had not listened to the budget because it did not concern her as a market woman.
She explained that what traders needed most was a proper and secure trading environment rather than macroeconomic projections.
She added that they were pleading with the government to construct a decent market facility where they would not have to sell under the scorching sun or be drenched by rain while conducting their business.
Traders dealing in imported rice and vegetable oil said they had seen reductions in prices over the past few months as well.
They attributed this to the relative stability of the cedi towards the end of 2025, which reduced import costs.
The Bank of Ghana’s mid-year report showed that the cedi stabilised around GH¢12.80 to the dollar in the second half of 2025 after a period of sharp depreciation, and this had contributed to lower prices of imported essentials.
Despite this, rice sellers insisted that market activity remained slow. One trader said that although rice was cheaper now than last year, customers were not patronising.
Across the market, traders emphasised the need for the government to include informal sector workers in decision-making processes and policy formulation.
They argued that although the informal sector contributed significantly to the economy, its representatives were rarely consulted when budgets were drafted.
Many traders stressed that they required accessible and affordable credit facilities, support for small-scale producers, reduced transport and utility costs, and modernised markets equipped with sheds, proper drainage systems, washrooms and cold-storage facilities.
The traders expressed hope that future budgets would address their concerns more directly and provide measures that would boost consumer confidence and spending power.
Buyers perspectives
On the part of buyers, many of those interviewed echoed concerns about limited income and the rising cost of living.
A consumer, Nana Kyei-Baffour, explained that financial constraints were the biggest reason he was unable to take advantage of the recent reductions in the prices of certain goods.
He said the money received at the end of the month was no longer enough to meet needs, making it difficult to purchase food items in the quantities previously bought.
While admitting that the prices of some commodities had gone down, he said many traders had not reduced their retail prices, leaving consumers confused about whether there had been any real relief.
He stressed that income levels had not kept pace with economic pressures, forcing households to prioritise only the most essential items.
Another consumer, Joyce Frimpong, also shared similar sentiments, stating that consumers were not experiencing the relief that the government had promised because salary levels had not changed even though the cost of electricity, water, rent and transportation continued to rise.
She added that most of them now buy food in the smallest quantities possible, not because prices were high, but because their incomes could not stretch far enough.
Buyers agreed that the challenge was no longer only about inflation, but about the weakening purchasing power of consumers, which continued to affect market activity despite efforts to stabilise prices.
