Traders blame irregular rainfall for increase in yam prices

Yam sellers at the Nana Bosoma Market in Sunyani have attributed the hike in yam prices to irregular rainfall this year and the high cost of farming inputs.

According to the yam sellers, inadequate yam supply in the market has also contributed to the high prices.

Currently, 100 tubers of yam are sold between GHC6,000 cedis and GHC7,500 cedis at farm gates across the Bono Region.

The price of yam is currently higher at the Nana Bosoma Market in Sunyani compared to the same period in 2023.

Three tubers of yam cost GHC50, depending on the size, with others going for up to GHC100.

Yam sellers at the Nana Bosoma Market in Sunyani have denied allegations that they have deliberately increased the price of the commodity.

However, they attribute the hike to irregular rainfall patterns recorded in the Bono Region and the rising cost of farming inputs.

“There would have been an abundance of yam if it had rained. It is because of the poor rains that is why we do not have enough yam. I believe in the coming months we will have yam in abundance. As I speak it is only the Fiaso community that we can get yam from,” Rebecca Ataa Yeboah, a yam seller.

Another yam seller Akosua Yeboah, stated, “We are not responsible for the high price of yam. The farmers are facing high costs due to expensive farming inputs, which is driving up the price. We only add a small margin for profit.”

Afia Serwaa added, “The high prices of yam can be attributed to the increased costs of farming inputs and labour. Farmers are forced to hire labour, which adds to their expenses. Unfortunately, this is not the first year we have faced challenges in acquiring yam.

“Last year, we struggled to find yam, and this year is no different. The prices have skyrocketed, with 100 tubers costing between 7,000 cedis, 7,500 cedis,6,5,00 cedis and 5000 cedis.”