Ghana turns to China, Morocco for ginger as local shortages keep prices high

Ghanaian traders are importing ginger from China and Morocco to meet local demand as shortages in domestic production continue to push prices up, with a sack selling for as much as GH¢6,000.

The high prices are forcing households to cut back on purchases, leaving traders grappling with expensive supplies and declining sales.

A sack of ginger currently sells for between GH¢5,000 and GH¢6,000, depending on market conditions. Although prices have fallen from a reported peak of GH¢8,000, traders say the cost remains a burden for both businesses and consumers.

A bucket of ginger sells for about GH¢400, while an olonka costs GH¢300. Smaller quantities go for around GH¢100.

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Traders have attributed the shortages to disease outbreaks that damaged local ginger farms, saying prices have remained high for nearly three years.

Growing demand from businesses that produce drinks, toffees and biscuits, as well as exports to neighbouring countries, has intensified competition for the limited supplies.

Buyers from Togo are also reportedly offering prices that some Ghanaian traders struggle to match, further reducing the quantity of ginger available on the local market.

Although traders say they have been informed that a remedy for the crop disease has been found, supplies from the latest harvest have yet to reach the market.

Imports from China and Morocco are helping to bridge the supply gap as domestic production remains limited.

The traders are calling on the government to support ginger farmers, address the challenges affecting production and help increase local supplies.

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They believe stronger domestic production would reduce reliance on imports and make ginger more affordable. However, prices are expected to remain high until sufficient quantities of locally grown ginger reach the market.

DR/MA

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