Traders in Accra's major markets say declining commodity prices have yet to improve sales, as weak consumer demand and rising transportation costs continue to put pressure on their businesses.
The traders, including Doris Boye, a fruit seller with 13 years of experience, and Yaa Koma, a tomato trader with over 30 years of experience, identified transportation as one of the biggest challenges confronting traders. For instance, transporting a truckload of goods from Offinso to Wa can cost as much as GHS 15,000.
Despite the price reductions recorded in some commodities, traders say the high cost of transporting goods from producing communities to Accra continues to undermine their businesses. Tomato traders say the increased supply of tomatoes during the peak production season has contributed to a significant decline in prices, but the reduction has not translated into improved sales.
A paint bucket of tomatoes now sells for between GHS 40 and GHS 50, yet demand remains low.
Cassava traders are also struggling to cope with weak demand, as customers continue to negotiate for lower prices despite the high cost of transporting the produce to market. Leticia Asieduwaa Apau, a cassava trader at the Agbogbloshie Market, said the situation is making it increasingly difficult for traders to sustain their businesses.
The traders are therefore calling for measures to address transportation costs and ease the challenges affecting the movement and sale of food commodities in Accra's major markets.
The concerns raised by the traders point to the difficulties facing market operators, as lower commodity prices are being offset by weak consumer purchasing power and high transportation expenses. For traders dealing in perishable commodities such as tomatoes, fruits, and plantain, the slow movement of goods also increases the risk of spoilage and financial losses.
The traders are calling for President Mahama to intervene in the situation.
The situation is similarly challenging for plantain traders, who say limited demand is slowing sales despite relatively low supplies. Margaret Osei, a plantain trader, said some traders are unable to sell their produce, with a truckload of plantain remaining undelivered because of the slow pace of business.
The traders' concerns were raised during engagements with traders under the Channel One Market Price Barometer, which monitors selected commodity prices across major markets in Accra.