Prices of foodstuff increases in markets in Koforidua

Prices of some basic foodstuffs have increased at some of the markets in the Koforidua Municipality in the Eastern Region.
This came to light when the Ghana News Agency (GNA) conducted a market survey.

At the Agatha Market, a bunch of plantains, which cost GHC20.00 in January this year now sell above GHC30.00 depending on the size.

A sack of cassava which in January cost GHC60.00 is now between GHC100.00 and GHC120.00.

At the Koforidua Central Market, the big basket of tomatoes is now selling at GHC200.00 and the small measuring bucket (Olonka) is GHC40.00.

In January, the big basket of tomatoes sold at about GHC60.00, while the small container or Olonka cost GHC20.00.

At the same market, the price of garden eggs has reduced from GHC150.00 to GHC140.00 and the ripe ones cost GHC130.00 a sack.

Maize is sold at GHC300.00 a sack and the small bucket or the olonka of maize cost between GHC7.00 to GHC7.50, while in January the bag of maize was GHC200.00.

At the Juaben Serwaa Market, a sack of Okro is sold at GHC500.00 and the small bucket (Olonka) is now GHC50.00 as compared to January when the price was GHC700.00 and GHC650.00 a sack.

Speaking to the GNA, Madam Akua Amponsah, a 54-year-old cassava and plantain seller at the Agatha market in the New Juaben South Municipality of the Eastern Region, explained that the prices of foodstuff often increased during the dry season and when fuel prices go up.

She said sometimes heavy rains also destroy many tubers in the farms, which leads to a reduction in supply and the increase in prices of tubers.

Madam Comfort Osei, a 45-year old woman who trades in garden eggs and tomatoes at the Koforidua Central Market, said the closing of the borders could be the cause of the increment in the prices of tomatoes and garden eggs because some varieties of tomatoes and garden eggs were imported from Burkina Faso.

Mrs Bernice Dagba, 43-year old maize seller at the Koforidua Central Market, explained that often supply of maize to the market was high in March and September after the harvest and that helped to reduce the prices of maize on the market.

Madam Abena Maafoa, a 63-year-old, who trades in okro at Juaben Serwaa Market, said the prices of okro usually reduced during the raining season.