The short supply of tomatoes from Ghana’s neighbouring countries has contributed to the sharp increases in the price of the produce on the market.
Checks by Citi Business News revealed that a medium size tin of tomatoes has shot up from GHC9 to GHC15.
Also, Ghana’s tomato season, which starts in April, has delayed because of the changing weather patterns and the lack of rain.
Supplies from the other countries usually support the system till harvest time, but the situation has changed drastically.
Speaking to Citi Business News, the Content Manager of Esoko Ghana, Francis Danso Adjei predicted that the price of tomatoes will rise further.
‘‘We have been saying that the drop in tomato price was as a result of a glut in the neighbouring countries where we were mainly buying the tomatoes from and so when that situation normalises, it’s going to affect the prices that we have and so we are beginning to see that effect now,” he said.
Mr. Adjei stated that there has been an 8% increase in the price of tomatoes over the last week.
He maintained that the situation will only change if the major areas that grow tomatoes for the country begin to experience good harvest.
He however stated that a good harvest is dependent on a good weather pattern.
“The more we have delays, the more the commodity becomes scarce and then prizes in turn move up’’, he warned.
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By: Jessica Ayorkor Aryee/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana