Traders at Accra's Adjen Kotoku and Agbogbloshie onion markets are dealing with substantial losses as the situation in Niger has resulted in significant quantities of onions spoiling. The aftermath of this investment loss has forced traders to reduce prices for spoiled onions while raising prices for fresh ones, in an attempt to recoup initial investments.
As Ghana heavily relies on onion imports, truckloads of produce have become stranded at these borders, severely disrupting the supply chain. This mismatch between demand and supply has caused prices to soar by over 100 per cent.
A trader from the Agbogbloshie market explained that onion cultivation in Ghana was primarily concentrated in the Volta Region. He attributed the insufficient production to financial constraints, inadequate infrastructure and lack of large-scale farming equipment. He also noted that Ghana's smaller, red-skinned onions with less flesh were less preferred compared to imported varieties.
Source: graphic.com.gh