Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, Minority Leader
The Minority Leader, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has raised concerns over the alarming trends in food prices, which have skyrocketed since the beginning of the year.
According to him, the recent report from the World Food Programme (WFP) for March 2024 has revealed that more than one million Ghanaians are likely to face food insecurity between now and August due to rising food prices.
This, he says, is increasingly dire.
"Mr. Speaker, the projections and statistics on the food situation in Ghana are grim. For instance, the price of a bucket of tomatoes has seen a dramatic increase of 140%, going from GHS75 at the start of the year to GHS180 currently. Similarly, the cost of a crate of tomatoes has surged by over 360%, rising from GHS1,500 in January to GHS7,000 in June. The price of a sack of onions nearly doubled in just one week, jumping from GHS600 to GHS1,050.
In addition, a sack of kokonte, which was sold for GHS900 in December 2023, now sells for GHS1,100, marking a 22.2% increase in just five months. The price of a tuber of yam has increased by 20%, from GHS25 in December 2023 to GHS30 currently. Even a 5kg bag of rice, which sold for GHS170 in December 2023, now costs GHS185, reflecting an approximate 9% rise.
He pointed out that this phenomenon is particularly noticeable with popular local foods.
"I am sure those of you who have bought Ga Kenkey or Nkran dokon lately, will appreciate the food shrinkflation that I am talking about."
The Minority Leader summed up the situation by stating "Mr. Speaker, kurom ay3 hye. Times are very hard! Ghanaians are suffering!"
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