Bakers strike over high flour cost

The members of the Northern Region Bakers Association have embarked on a strike following price hikes in all the ingredients used for baking.

Ms Esther Seriboe, an executive member of the association, told Class 91.3FM that the price of flour has increased to GHS25 within the last four months. She stated that flour from Irani Brothers and Olam, which was sold for between GHS135 and GHS140 now cost between GHS160 and GHS165.

She added that a bag of sugar was sold for between GHS130 and GHS140 a few months ago but currently sell at GHS190. Margarine, which was GHS180 is currently being sold for GHS190.

Ms Seriboe said they have no choice but to strike and also increase the price of bread.

She confirmed in an interview on Tuesday, 30 April 2019 that the bakers in the region are on strike to demand an increase in the price of bread. She, however, refuted claims that their action was aimed at making the government unpopular.

"We are really on strike; the strike does not mean maybe we are going on a demonstration against anybody. We want an increase in the price of bread, so, we decided to make just some two days artificial shortage of bread so that we can start our increment," she revealed.

Currently, a loaf of bread in Tamale costs GHS2. Even though some traders sell tea bread and sugar bread for GHS1, it is not common in the area.