Onion traders grapple with losses amidst supply disruption
Sunyani’s onion wholesale and retail traders are grappling with substantial losses as rising costs impede the conveyance of vegetables from Niger through Burkina Faso to Ghana.
The inability of haulage trucks to facilitate this transport has been attributed to the recent Niger military takeover and the subsequent border closures. This has led to a shortage of onions in the market, causing concern among both traders and consumers.
During a market survey conducted by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Sunyani’s central market, traders and consumers alike expressed their urgent plea for the government to collaborate with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to facilitate the unimpeded movement of goods and services.
By enabling the entry of haulage trucks laden with onions, they hope to curb the escalating prices of the vegetable in various markets across the nation.
Madam Joyce Afriyie, a vendor specializing in onions, revealed that the cost of a standard black v-shaped rubber container filled with onions has surged from GH¢100 to GH¢170 over the past two weeks. She voiced her apprehension that if the situation remains unchanged, the price could surge even higher, potentially nearing GH¢200.
The bulk price for a maxi-bag of onions has surged to over GH¢1,800 from its previous GH¢1000, making it increasingly challenging for traders to yield profits.
Mad. Afriyie further emphasized the financial strain on traders, many of whom have borrowed from banks and now find themselves servicing loans with increasing difficulty. She contended that the traders might have no recourse but to escalate prices to safeguard their business capital.
The concerns voiced by traders and consumers echo a shared apprehension about the far-reaching consequences of skyrocketing onion prices. As a staple and indispensable spice in food preparation, the escalation in onion prices could reverberate onto the prices of cooked food items, affecting Ghanaians.
