The price of yams in various markets has more than doubled since the start of the year. Previously sold at 15 cedis, yams now cost between 40 and 50 cedis, depending on the location. Traders attribute this significant increase to scarcity, higher transport fares, and the overall cost of living.
At Mallam Atta Market in the Greater Accra Region, a tuber of yam is priced between GH20.00 and GH55.00. One anonymous trader explained, “The increase is due to higher transportation fares. If transport costs were reduced, yam prices might come down.” She shared her views with 3news.
Madam Comfort, another trader, discussed how the price of yams has surged over the past few months. She stated, “The lowest price here is GHC25.00.” She attributed the hike to the exchange rate, noting that “as the cedi depreciates, the cost of imported fertilizers rises, leading to higher production costs, which are passed on to consumers.”
Reports from the Northern Region, considered Ghana’s food basket, indicate that three tubers of yam, which used to sell for GHC25.00, now cost GHC70. The situation is similar in the Western Region.
GAWU General Secretary, Mr. Edward Kareweh, linked the sharp increase in yam prices to the overall economic situation. He remarked, “We have never seen yam prices increase by over 200 percent. This needs investigation. It reflects the poor state of Ghana’s economy.”
Mr. Kareweh emphasized that all foodstuffs, not just yams, are experiencing unexpected price hikes. “This is not the season for yams, so we expected some increase, but not to this extent,” he added.
He concluded by stressing the importance of addressing agricultural sector challenges, warning that failure to do so means failing to tackle core economic problems.
