A shortage in the availability of onions in the Upper East Region for the past two months has resulted in a price hike of the vegetable.
There are two kinds of onions sold in the region; the Burkina Faso grown onions, and the locally grown onions in areas like Kulungungu, Garu and Mognori; all in the Upper East Region.
The Burkina Faso grown onions were initially sold at Ghs 35 a bucket two months ago, but now go for Ghs 55, whereas the locally grown ones which initially went for Ghs 40, are now being sold for Ghs 60.
Despite the considerable hike in the price of onions in the region, demand for the locally grown onions are high due to its inherent nice flavour.
Buyers who however, due to financial constraints are unable to afford the locally grown onions settle for the Burkina Faso grown onions suitable for making salad because of its mild and soft nature.
Operators of restaurants and catering services in the region have lamented over the price hikes, noting it has increased their cost of production.