Food prices have soared in Accra, Ghana, according to a market survey done by the newspaper The Finder, reports Ghanaweb.com.
The survey revealed that almost all essential food item prices had increased significantly in th e past three months. Palm kernel, rice, vegetables like tomatoes and onions had all seen a rate hike.
The survey was conducted at the Kasoa and Kaneshie markets and traders were alarmed and worried.
They also claimed that the sales were not good enough. "A wooden carton of tomato had risen from GHC70 earlier in the year to GHC450 now, adding that she had no choice but to increase her price", a tomato seller told "The Finder".
Two months ago, a bowl of onion was priced at GHC8 which now costs GHC15. Tomato costs have increased doubly; it was sold for GHC6 two months ago, now the same costs GHC12. "Traders at the Kaneshie market are selling the same quantity of tomatoes at between GHC12 and GHC14", Ghanaweb reports. (The Ghananian cedi, GHC, is the official currency of Ghana)
Palm Kernels are priced between GHC2.8 and GHC3.5 currently which were sold just for GHC1.2 few months back. Fish prices have almost tripled.
Buyers are not very happy with the price rise. "We are now buying smoked tuna at GHC6; meanwhile only a few weeks ago, it was selling at GHC2.5", a woman said.
