The Takoradi central market has seen a noticeable surge in prices for vegetables and other essential food items in recent months, largely attributed to unfavorable weather conditions impacting production and supply.
According to vendors at the market, erratic weather patterns have disrupted planting and harvesting schedules, leading to scarcity of key commodities and subsequent price hikes.
Madam Marian Mensah, a vegetable seller, explained that the irregular rains and dry spells have reduced crop yields, causing prices to fluctuate significantly. “When the weather does not favour planting and harvesting, it affects availability and pushes prices up,” she said.
Onion prices have also been affected by rising costs at the production level. Madam Esi Mansa, who sells onions, revealed that the cost of a sack of onions has risen to between GHC1,300 and GHC1,500, while smaller quantities that used to sell for GHC100 now fetch between GHC150 and GHC200. “It’s no longer possible to get the same amount of onions for the old price,” she lamented.
Similarly, prices for green bell peppers have increased from GHC800 to GHC1,200 per sack, with other vegetables such as okro and garden eggs also becoming more expensive.
On the brighter side, the tomato market has remained relatively stable as the commodity is currently in season, allowing for more affordable prices, according to tomato seller Madam Grace Obeng.
As weather challenges continue to affect food production, consumers at Takoradi central market may have to contend with higher prices for many basic foodstuffs in the near term.
