The World Food Programme has estimated that approximately 1 million people in Ghana will face food insecurity between June and August this year, highlighting the pressing issue of food security in the country.
Market women in Ghana have shared their experiences and observations regarding the escalating prices of vegetables, citing the prevailing dry season as the primary cause.
The dry season has affected the availability and quality of produce, leading to a scarcity of vegetables and pushing their prices beyond the reach of many consumers.
One market woman explained that the price of pepper has increased significantly, with one sack now costing GHC2,200, due to the scarcity caused by the dry season.
Another trader emphasized that the increase in price is not the fault of market traders, but rather the result of factors such as transportation costs and the impact of the dry season on farmers’ harvests.
The market women called upon the government to allocate more lands for agricultural activities and make the sector appealing to attract the youth, which would help reduce unemployment and increase food security.
By providing additional lands, the government can encourage farmers to cultivate more crops, ensuring a steady supply and stabilizing prices throughout the year.
Customers also highlighted the importance of implementing measures to preserve foodstuffs during periods of abundance, to prevent wastage and subsequent scarcity.
Investing in proper storage facilities and techniques would help maintain a consistent supply of vegetables and prevent exorbitant prices during off-seasons.
The market women emphasized that their demands are not mere requests, but urgent calls for government accountability and support, stressing that the government plays a pivotal role in addressing the challenges faced by the agricultural sector and ensuring food security for the nation.
