Agriculture is one of the most vulnerable sectors to climate change. Warmer seasons, changes in precipitation and more frequent and severe extreme weather events have already impacted agricultural production in many countries, with effects on food price volatility and food security, especially in the Global South.
This vital economic sector is also part of the problem as it contributes 17% to greenhouse gas emissions, produced especially by intensive farming characterized by efficient processes that maximize production yield.
Integrating agriculture into climate action
Since 2011, the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA), gathering different civil society actors representing small farmers and herders, hunter/gatherers, and indigenous peoples, along with faith-based organizations and environmentalists from across Africa has been advocating for traditional sustainable agriculture as a means to ensure food sovereignty in the continent.
Four years ago it launched a campaign to integrate agriculture into climate action.
AFSA Programmes’ Coordinator Bridget Mugabe is one of the many NGOs delegates attending the COP28 in Dubai to bring the voice of African small traditional producers at the climate negotiations.
The critical issue of food sovereignty
She spoke to Vatican News’ Marine Henriot about its advocacy work at the conference.
“This COP is just one of events where we come to emphasise our agenda, to ensure that agriculture is included in the COP28 final text,” Ms. Mugabe explained . “It’s a space which allows us to address the critical issues of food sovereignty and food production and markets in relation to climate action with our policymakers.
Its aim, she said, is to make the voice of the most vulnerable heard.
AFSA has organized several side events at COP28, it has released statements and is meeting several African leaders to draw the attention of negotiators to the critical importance of climate action for agriculture, and of sustainable agriculture to ensure food security in Africa.
According to Ms. Mugabe, it is important to show that civil society and religious actors across Africa.
However, she said, she is not sure if the African advocacy network will be able to have some an impact on the outcome of the negotiations.
The General Agriculture Workers Union (GAWU) is warning of a possible significant increase in the prices of foodstuff if the policy on the proposed import restrictions on 21 items is implemented.
The government is seeking parliament’s approval to restrict the importation of the 21 goods to help reduce the country’s import bill and grow the local manufacturing industry. They include rice, poultry, animal and vegetable oil, margarine, fruit juices, soft drink, mosquito coil and insecticide, soaps and detergents, fish, clothing and apparel and cement.
But GAWU is also worried the development could result in some artificial food shortages on the market.
General Secretary, Edward Kareweh, told Joy Business existing government policies have already undermined production.
“When you were putting in place measures on the back of government-owned policies which have undermined production, then you create a very big situation in the economy.”
“For instance, the discounted benchmark value policy was implemented by the government since 2019. For all these years, it has undermined domestic production. So a year after you used the policy to weaken the capacity of domestic industries to produce, you quickly come back and say I’m going to restrict imports”, he argued.
“When you do that, the likely of prices going up is very high because you have not actually supported the domestic producers to increase their capacity to be able to meet the shortfall that the imports will bring”, he added.
The government’s proposed import restrictions are aimed at striking a balance between protecting domestic industries and ensuring an adequate supply of essential goods.
In a powerful signal of support during COP28, African and global institutions together with governments of Germany, France and Japan and philanthropies have pledged over $175 million to the Alliance for Green Infrastructure in Africa (AGIA). The landmark initial pledge will help to rapidly scale up financing for transformative climate-aligned infrastructure projects across the continent.
The new pledges will also advance AGIA towards its first close of $500 million of early-stage project preparation and development blended capital. The Alliance is a partnership of the African Union Commission, the African Development Bank, Africa50 and other partners. It works to unlock up to $10 billion private capital for green infrastructure projects and to galvanise global action to accelerate Africa’s just and equitable transition to Net-Zero.
Among the signatories of the memorandum of intent were representatives of the African Development Bank, Africa50, France, Germany, Japan, the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), Banque Ouest-Africaine de Développement (BOAD), Proparco and the Three Cairns Group.
The Union of the Comoros President and Chairperson of the African Union Azali Assoumani, Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina and African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat witnessed the signing ceremony.
Germany’s Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Mrs. Svenja Schulze, said, “Germany is very pleased to join the launch of the Alliance for Green Infrastructure in Africa. We congratulate the African Development Bank on this important Africa-led initiative and want to highlight AGIA’s commitment to the 1.5 °C target and its dedication to accelerate Net-Zero emissions in Africa.”
She added, “Today marks an important step towards our shared goal of a just and equitable green transition in Africa. Supporting the commitment towards green infrastructure, we are planning to contribute up to €26 million to AGIA starting in 2024.”
Tomoyoshi Yahagi, Japan’s Deputy Director General of Finance, said, “As part of the pledge made by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida yesterday, Japan will provide US$10 million to AGIA to support Africa in undergoing a just and equitable transition to Net-Zero and achieving the 1.5 °C pathway. We encourage other donors to contribute to this important initiative.”
Emmanuel Moulin, Director General of the French Treasury, said, “By addressing the gap in funding green infrastructure project preparation and development, AGIA will play an instrumental role in Africa’s transition to Net-Zero. Directing concessional resources to such an initiative is in line with France’s vision and solidarity policy for sustainable investment in Africa. This is why we have supported AGIA since inception and we are glad that the Summit on a New Global Financing Pact further raised momentum for the initiative. We are therefore delighted to announce a contribution of €20 million to AGIA and we hope that our contribution will catalyse more private and concessional resources.”
African Development Bank Group President Dr Akinwumi Adesina said: “We need private sector financing at scale to tackle climate change and fill Africa’s huge infrastructure gap in a sustainable and climate-resilient manner. By working together and pooling our resources together through AGIA, we are committed to accelerating these efforts. The Bank Group plans to contribute up to $40 million, after approval from its Board of Directors.”
Sidi Ould Tah, President of BADEA said, “We have pledged $40 million to support AGIA. We are glad to be part of this vital partnership, aiming at enabling transformational green infrastructure projects in Africa, and accelerating the continent’s transition to Net-Zero in a sustainable manner.”
Alain Ebobissé, Africa50 CEO, said: “AGIA is set to become Africa’s largest fund focused on project development, which is a critical component to scale up the delivery of bankable green projects and help the continent achieve its climate goals. This initial fundraising round which includes strong African and international organisations is a great sign of investor confidence in AGIA. We are pleased to be part of this landmark initiative.” Africa50 is the fund manager for AGIA.
Serge Ekué, President of BOAD: “As part of our 2021–2025 Djoliba strategic plan, we have committed that about 25% of our new financing will be aimed at strengthening the resilience of our member countries to climate change. Our interest in AGIA reflects this ambition and will be in line with our strategic approach of mobilising increased climate resources in our region.”
Françoise Lombard, CEO of Proparco said her company alongside the French government, “is proud to support AGIA, an initiative aiming to unlock Africa’s potential for green infrastructure by targeting one of its main constraints: the lack of existing bankable projects in this area. The innovative blended structure of the initiative will allow AGIA to mobilise and channel public and private resources towards project preparation and development, the riskier stages of any infrastructure project. In addition, With AGIA, we are one step closer to bridging the infrastructure gap in Africa and one-step further towards Net-Zero.”
Mark Gallogly, cofounder of the Three Cairns Group, said, “We support AGIA’s mission to catalyse economic development and green infrastructure in Africa. More risk-tolerant, early-stage equity is essential to increase the number of clean energy and climate-related projects across the continent. We commend Africa50 for leading this initiative.”
AGIA was launched a year ago at COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, by the African Union Commission, the African Development Bank, and Africa50 and other partners.
The European Union, La-Nkwantanang Madina Municipal Assembly, CERATH Development Organization, and Tree Crops Center announced the successful completion and inauguration of a transformative coconut-waste hub in Danfa, near Accra.
This environmentally-driven initiative aims to address the challenges of coconut waste management while creating sustainable socio-economic opportunities for local communities.
This ground-breaking initiative will also contribute to sustainable livelihoods for local communities by fostering job creation, especially in the waste management and recycling sectors.
Training programs will be implemented to equip individuals with the necessary skills to operate and manage the hub, empowering them with employment opportunities and fostering entrepreneurship.
The construction of the facility forms part of the European Union-funded Coconut Waste Project (COWAP), which aims to create and sustain a green and circular economy in the coconut value chain by working with coconut vendors, youth job seekers, and communities within the La-Nkwantanang Madina Municipality.
COWAP is a four-year project implemented by a consortium consisting of CERATH Development Organization, Tree Crops Center, and the La Nkwantanang-Madina Municipal Assembly (LaNMMA).
The factory has a 30-tonne daily processing capacity to support the recycling and reuse of large volumes of coconut waste generated within the Municipality and turn it into value-added products such as cocopeat, coir fiber, and coconut shells.
Head of Cooperation at the European Union in Ghana, Massimo Mina, explained that, “The European Union is dedicated to working together with local partners like LaNMMA and development organizations like CERATH Development Organization and Tree Crops Center to create jobs for youth.
“But our aim is not just on job creation; the EU’s focus is on sustainable and green job creation as we support the efforts of Ghana towards a circular economy.”
The construction of this facility is part of several projects we have across Ghana that highlight the EU’s priority on sustainability and job creation.”
The Country Director for CERATH Development Organization, Lucille Abruquah, emphasized that “the inauguration of the Coco-Waste Hub is not merely a ceremony; it is a declaration of our commitment to effective waste management practices, circular economy principles, and the pursuit of an eco-friendly environment in Ghana. Today, we open our doors to a future where waste becomes a resource, where economic opportunities thrive, and where our actions contribute to the well-being of our community and the planet at large.
In an effort to elevate Ghana’s cassava industry onto the global stage, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, the Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, delivered a compelling address to a global audience at the recently concluded International Cassava Fair in Brazil.
Addressing the topic “Securing Ghana’s Future Through Cassava” at the International Cassava Fair in Brazil, Ms. Akosa passionately advocated for a transformative approach to Ghana’s cassava industry, emphasizing the critical need to reshape the narrative around cassava cultivation in the country and the necessity for value addition.
The international cassava fair (FIMAN) 2023, organized by Podium Alimentos, was held from Tuesday, November 21st, to Thursday, November 23rd, 2023, aiming to foster knowledge exchange, networking, and collaborative exploration in the cassava sector. Ms. Akosa highlighted the crucial role of Ghana-Brazil collaboration in propelling advancements within Ghana’s cassava industry to significantly contribute to food security and economic growth in the country.
Ms. Akosa also shed light on the unique opportunities and challenges facing Ghana’s cassava industry, exploring avenues for collaboration with international partners, adoption of best practices, value addition, mechanization, and innovative strategies. The goal is to position Ghana as a major player in the global cassava market.
CELEBRATING CASSAVA: A DEFICIT IN GHANA: Despite its immense potential, Ms. Akosa highlighted the startling reality that Ghana is not celebrating cassava enough. The majority of cassava farming is directed towards domestic consumption, with limited emphasis on value addition. While there are noteworthy industries engaged in starch and alcohol production, the broader cassava sector struggles to secure the attention it deserves, particularly in comparison to the historically dominant cocoa and gold industry. With an annual production of 22 million metric tonnes, the time is ripe for a paradigm shift.
“Despite the abundance of opportunities in our cassava value chain, it remains underrated and under-celebrated. We all know how easy it is to grow cassava here in Ghana. Our country, our youth, our women, and the industry as a whole stand to gain more if we fully explore and embrace the vast potential within the cassava value chain, it is time for Ghana to mine Cassava as it mines Gold. Our country needs more cassava factories, farms, varieties, and equipment, such as planters, harvesters, dryers, and washers’’. ,” stated Ms. Akosa.
CULTIVATING CASSAVA’S HIDDEN RICHES: Ms. Akosa also underscored the need for a paradigm shift in Ghana’s agricultural focus. Cassava, often relegated to subsistence farming, stands on the precipice of a transformative revolution. The abundance of this resilient crop represents an untapped resource that, with the right attention, could blossom into a driving force for economic growth and food security.
With a production capacity that rivals cocoa, the time is ripe for Ghana to seize the opportunity and usher in a new era of cassava appreciation. Ms. Akosa’s call for a paradigm shift extends beyond the agricultural landscape; it beckons a recalibration of societal perceptions, urging Ghanaians to recognize the economic and nutritional potential that cassava holds.
While notable industries engage in starch and alcohol production, there remains immense scope for diversification. The versatility of cassava extends far beyond the traditional, offering a canvas for innovative products and industries. Encouraging value addition not only benefits local farmers but also positions Ghana on the global stage as a key player in the cassava market.
CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES: NAVIGATING THE CASSAVA LANDSCAPE: The Executive Director outlined the current challenges facing Ghana’s cassava industry. Traditional farming methods, predominantly through the use of cutlasses and hoes, remain prevalent. However, she noted a positive trend with an increasing number of women smallholder farmers contributing to the sector. The existence of 32 cassava varieties developed by research institutions reflects the genetic diversity available for exploration.
Yet, challenges persist. A lack of machinery and equipment for processing, drying, and planting hinders efficiency. The knowledge gap for value addition and the absence of diverse recipes to encourage farmers to explore alternative uses of cassava contribute to the stagnation of the sector.
PROPOSED MEASURES: CATALYZING A CASSAVA REVOLUTION: Ms. Akosa laid out a comprehensive set of proposals to propel the cassava sector forward. This includes the urgent development and availability of domestic and edible seed varieties, the infusion of machinery and equipment at every stage of the production process, and a robust effort to address the knowledge gap hindering value addition. The call for capacity building and know-how to commercialize cassava effectively was underscored, along with increased investment in inputs and technology.
GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION: A significant portion the address was dedicated to advocating for government intervention. A strategic focus on cassava, the establishment of cassava farms, and support for farmers with improved seeds and markets are crucial steps. She urged the exploration of partnerships for industrialization and commercialization, positioning cassava as the next economic powerhouse akin to cocoa and gold. The initiative, she emphasized, would not only create more employment opportunities but also generate much-needed revenue.
LEARNING FROM BRAZIL’S CASSAVA SUCCESS STORY: In highlighting Brazil’s advanced cassava industry, Ms. Akosa provided a blueprint for Ghana’s future. Brazil’s utilization of cassava for starch, ethanol, and the creation of over 1000 food recipes showcase the boundless potential of this crop. The adoption of biogas production from cassava waste further illustrates the versatility that can be harnessed.
“Brazil’s cassava industry is budding and booming with a high level of value addition. This is an area Ghana can adopt to improve the value chains. Our women and beginner agribusinesses stand to gain a lot in terms of job creation by adding value to cassava. Brazil currently has over 1000 cassava food recipes. Ghana’s climate is much similar to Brazil and I am confident, transferring of knowledge and know-how in cassava food nutrition recipes will be an added value.
According to her, the Cassava industry is a huge jackpot in Brazil. Brazilian Agric manufacturers have been able to develop and manufacture equipment, such as cassava dryers, washers, planters, harvesters, etc., that enhance speed and bring about efficiency. This is a big leap for Ghana, should we be able to partner with Brazilian Manufacturers to develop machinery and equipment as these for our sector.
CONCLUSION: A TRANSFORMATIVE VISION FOR GHANA’S CASSAVA FUTURE: Ms. Akosa concluded her address with a powerful call to action. Beyond showcasing Ghana’s cassava sector, the initiative seeks to foster connections and explore sustainable business opportunities within the dynamic global cassava value chain. With the potential for Ghana to emerge as a key player in the international cassava market, the time is ripe for a Cassava Revolution—a transformative vision to secure Ghana’s agricultural future.
‘’ As we celebrate our agricultural diversity, let us not overlook the golden potential that cassava holds in propelling our nation towards a more sustainable and prosperous future. It is my desire to see Ghana mining Cassava in the next three to five years. Partnering with Brazilian Cassava players is one sure step to get there. We need the exchange of ideas, transfer of knowledge, and all that is needed to grow the sector.’’ She concluded
The Ghana’s Ambassador to China, Mr Winfred Nii Okai Hammond has emphasised the need to strengthen global collaboration to propel Ghana towards sustainable agriculture and productivity.
He said this when the Tema West Municipal observed the 39th National Farmers’ Day. He underscored the necessity of adopting measures to navigate the current challenges in agriculture.
He called for collaborative efforts with successful nations, particularly in maximising peri-urban agriculture and incorporating advanced technology.
“It is said that Africa has about 60 per cent of the arable land available for agricultural purposes, yet we have food insufficiency,” she said.
“And we look at a country like China, which has nine per cent of the world’s arable land, but they are producing enough cereals, including rice, wheat, and grains to feed 25 per cent of the world’s population.”
“Is there something they are doing differently to get them where they are today? Certainly yes. And it means that it is important for us to strengthen our cooperation with such countries to improve our production.”
He called on all citizens, irrespective of political affiliation, to collectively tackle the challenges of the agricultural sector, encouraging farmers to strive for increased productivity.
“We can do far more than what we see. The time has come for us to really learn from what others have done to be where they are today,’ he said.
Mrs Patience Alloh, the Director of Agriculture, Tema West, touching on the theme: “Delivering Smart Solutions for Sustainable Food Security and Resilience,” said it was significant to adopt technology to boost productivity and minimise environmental impact.
She said it was through a holistic approach combining technology, sustainability, education, diversification, and climate resilience that Ghana could truly deliver smart solutions for sustainable food security and resilience.
Ms Anna Adokwei Addo, the Tema West Municipal Chief Executive, praised farmers for their dedication to ensuring food security despite challenges like limited market access, financial constraints, rising input costs, reduced returns, and the impact of climate change.
She emphasised the importance of sustainable agricultural practices, including integrated farming, reduced input dependence, soil conservation, and improved water management.
She called for support for farmers to transition to climate-smart agriculture and minimise the risk of crop failure.
In a bold and unprecedented move, Guzakuza, the vanguard for women in agribusiness, has thrust the 39th National Farmers Day into the spotlight, demanding an immediate overhaul of the event’s gender dynamics. The Founder of Guzakuza, Nana Adjoa A. Sifa has declared that the outcome of the upcoming Farmers Day will be scrutinised intensely, setting the stage for a provocative dialogue on gender equality in Ghana’s agriculture.
Background:
The 39th National Farmers Day is poised to unite farmers and leaders in Tarkwa under the theme ‘Delivering Smart Solutions for Sustainable Food Security and Resilience.’ However, beneath the surface of this seemingly harmonious gathering lies a glaring gender disparity that has ignited controversy.
Gender Gap:
Ghana’s flagship agricultural event has been marred by a stark gender imbalance in its history. Over the past two decades, only one woman, Madam Afua Frimponmaa, has claimed the prestigious award in 2004 at the age of 75. This eyebrow-raising gender gap raises critical questions about inclusivity and opportunities for women in the agricultural sector.
Guzakuza’s Call to Action:
Guzakuza calls for immediate attention to the gender imbalance and advocates for a groundbreaking shift in focus during this year’s Farmers Day. The organisation demands that smart solutions for sustainable food security and resilience prioritise and address the unique challenges faced by women in agribusiness.
Why it Matters:
The controversial spotlight on gender dynamics in this year’s event amplifies the urgency and significance of addressing these imbalances head-on. As Ghana strives for agricultural excellence, it must ensure that women are not only recognised but actively included and celebrated for their pivotal role in the sector.
Guzakuza’s Gender Agenda:
Guzakuza envisions a future where the National Farmers Day is not just a celebration of agriculture but a symbol of gender equality in action. The organisation asserts that a more inclusive and equitable platform will not only empower women but also catalyse transformative change in the entire agri-food industry.
The current Fair Trade report has revealed that Ghana may lose its position as one of the best exporters of cocoa to neigbouring countries if swift measures are not taken to address the issues of encroachment by some real estate developers.
According to the President of the network, Florence Blankson, deforestation and illegal mining activities are already posing a threat to cocoa farmers, hence the government should intensify its efforts in addressing issues affecting the cocoa sector.
Speaking at the 6th Annual General Meeting of Fair Trade Ghana Network, she argues that the government has not been proactive enough to tackle issues affecting the sector.
She bemoaned the ineffectiveness of government’s agencies in engaging these players within the sector for sustainability.
“The “galamsey” is an issue, felling down of trees are also issues and some real estate developers are taking over cocoa farmlands and if we don’t take care, very soon we may lose our position as one of the exporters of cocoa globally”.
“When we went around the water bodies they were all like tea and I wonder where we are going with this”, She said
According to Statista, in 2022, the export value of cocoa beans and cocoa products from Ghana amounted to about $2.3 billion, which was a decrease of 19.0% from the preceding year.
Within the observed period, the highest value of the exports was achieved in 2021, with approximately $2.84 billion U.S. Cocoa beans and cocoa products are a very important commodity in Ghana, as it represents a large percentage of Ghana’s exports.
The Fair Trade Ghana Network is a membership-based organisation championing sustainable agriculture and handicraft production in the fair trade environment in Ghana.
It is a national network of fair trade certified farmers, handicraft producers, and hired labour organisations.
The network focuses on programmes in the following areas for the benefit of its members.
Cocoa prices on Tuesday closed moderately higher, with Mar NY cocoa posting a contract high and nearest-futures (CCZ23) posting a 46-year high. Continuous rain has limited fieldwork and encouraged crop disease on West African farms, which provide most of the world’s cocoa supply.
It has also stoked concern that current cocoa production will be unable to replenish supplies to avoid a global deficit. Gains in London cocoa were limited due to the strength of the British pound. The pound on Tuesday (^GBPUSD) climbed to a 2-3/4 month high against the dollar, undercutting cocoa that is priced in sterling.
Signs of smaller cocoa output in the Ivory Coast, the world’s largest cocoa producer, are bullish for prices. On Monday, data from the Ivory Coast government showed Ivory Coast farmers shipped 479,449 MT of cocoa to ports from October 1-November 27, down -32.2% from the same time last year.
ICE-monitored cocoa inventories held in U.S. ports have declined steadily since June and posted a 2-1/2 year low Tuesday.
Recent heavy rain in West Africa has caused black pod disease to spread and is a major bullish factor for cocoa prices. The spread of the disease, which causes cocoa pods to turn black and rot, could result in lower cocoa crop quality and production and push the global cocoa market into a third year of deficit for the 2023/24 season.
Also, the spread of the swollen shoot virus is threatening Ivory Coast cocoa crops. The virus is transmitted via mealybugs that feed on the sap of cocoa plants and will significantly reduce cocoa crop yields before eventually killing the plant. Tropical Research Services estimates that about 20% of the cocoa crop in the Ivory Coast is infected with the swollen shoot virus.
Concern about lower cocoa production in Ghana, the world’s second-largest producer, is bullish for cocoa prices. Ghana’s cocoa regulator said on August 16 that some of its cocoa farmers are unlikely to fulfill some of their cocoa contracts for a second season. Ghana’s regulator postponed 44,000 MT of cocoa shipments to future seasons due to a lack of supplies. Ghana’s 2022/23 cocoa crop is now expected to be around 683,000 MT, a 13-year low and 24% below initial estimates of 850,000 MT, as a lack of fertilizers and black pod disease hurt cocoa yields.
Cocoa prices remain supported by concern that an El Nino weather event could undercut global cocoa production. On June 8, the U.S. Climate Prediction Center said that sea surface temperatures across the equatorial Pacific Ocean had risen 0.5 degrees Celsius above normal, and wind patterns have changed to the point where El Nino criteria have been met. Cocoa prices rallied to 12-year highs in 2016 after an El Nino weather event caused a drought that hampered global cocoa production.
Soaring cocoa prices are undercutting global cocoa demand. Circana reported that U.S. chocolate sales in the four weeks ended October 8 fell -9.2% y/y. The National Confectioners Association reported on October 24 that Q3 North American cocoa grindings fell -18% y/y to 97,881 MT, weaker than expectations of a -12% y/y decline and the fewest grindings for a Q3 in 15 years.
The Cocoa Association of Asia reported on October 23 that Asia Q3 cocoa grindings fell -8.5% y/y to 211,468 MT. The European Cocoa Association reported on October 12 that European Q3 cocoa processing fell -0.9% y/y to 366,298 MT, an improvement from the -5.7% y/y decline in Q2. On the more positive side of demand, Gepex, an exporter group that includes six of the world’s biggest cocoa grinders, reported on October 17 that its Q3 cocoa processing rose +7% y/y to 183,731 MT.
The International Cocoa Organization (ICCO) reports that global 2022/23 cocoa production increased +2.4% y/y to 4.938 MMT, and global cocoa grindings increased +0.2% y/y to 5.005 MMT. ICCO estimates end-of-season 2022/23 global cocoa stocks at 1.707 MMT and the cocoa stocks-to-grinding ratio at a 7-year low of 34.5%. ICCO projected a global cocoa deficit for 2022/23 of -146,000 tons and said, “The expectation of a supply deficit has been compounded with weather variations, especially in West Africa.”
The Minister of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), Dr. Bryan Acheampong, says food prices in Ghana have drastically reduced within the last few months.
He attributes this reduction to the prudent measures implemented by the government which he says is yielding positive results.
Speaking to journalists in Accra on the sidelines of the Agric Fair at the premises of the Ministry, Dr. Acheampong noted that prices of food products have decreased, but consumers still pay high in some instances because of exercise profiteering by middlemen.
“We have been able to bring the price of maize down by 50%. And it is not just the maize. With regard to a lot of the cereals, the prices are dropping. Maize that used to sell at the same time last year at GH¢300 for 50kg bag now is GH¢148, the maximum that you get is GH¢150 which means that there is a 50% drop in the price of maize.”
“But nobody is talking about it because you don’t see it translate into the price of a ball of kenkey. It means that there’s someone in the middle who is pocketing the profit,” he stated.
Meanwhile, new evidence shows that weak competition may be causing unfair food prices for consumers in Ghana, as retail prices rise significantly faster than wholesale prices.
Food products such as onions, gari, and sorghum are flagged as key markets of concern; national authorities are urged to investigate and act.
Experts in Ghana and globally are warning that some market actors are making record profits in this time of a food crisis, at the expense of overcharged consumers and underpaid farmers.
A new tool created by consumer organizations has highlighted the risk of unfair food prices in Ghana, driven by insufficient competition in national and global food supply chains.
The Fair Food Price Monitor warns how rising prices for Ghanaian consumers are potentially being caused not only by factors such as increased fuel costs and currency depreciation, but also by dominant market actors taking advantage of this crisis to increase prices excessively.
The tool, developed by Consumers International (representing consumers worldwide) and Ghanaian organization Consumer Advocacy Centre (based at Laweh University College), uses data from sources such as the UN World Food Programme (WFP) and UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to track the relationship between food prices at different stages of the supply chain in Ghana and to highlight where investigation and action may be needed from the government.
