In a recent survey conducted by Happy 98.9 FM’s Head of News and Online Content, Fati Shaibu-Ali, concerning the rate of grocery prices in Ghana, market women expressed their concern about the fluctuating prices of essential commodities, particularly rice.
Traders shared that this inconsistent development continues to affect business significantly, as the market is highly unpredictable.
They highlighted that while some prices of food items like oil and margarine have been reduced and seen a stable market, others like rice continue to shoot up.
One of the traders speaking to Fati Shaibu-Ali shared her frustration, stating, ” Goods like oil have been greatly subsidized, making some of us who bought in huge bulk incur losses. But for rice, the rate at which prices of continue to go up is unbearable. We saw an increase in prices for rice last week, and beginning this week, it has again been increased; this is too much and sad for us. As I speak to you now, we’ve received texts in our official WhatsApp group that prices of rice are expected to go up latest Friday, August 25.”
Another trader added a contrasting perspective, saying, “Some prices for goods have been reduced. Yes, we have seen some stable prices as well. Prices of goods like oil have been reduced, ranging from 25 liters to 1 liter. However, rice was stable for some time, and just over a month now, prices of rice have gone up too much, and that is our current headache.”
The survey highlights the concerns of traders in Ghana who are grappling with fluctuating prices of essential commodities, with rice being a significant cause for worry due to its recent price hikes.