Food commodity prices have collapsed across Ghana, with the agricultural hub of Ejura experiencing severe market disruptions stemming from government imports and currency fluctuations. Large quantities of rice, maize and cowpea brought in during 2024 to address drought-related shortages reached markets as the Mahama administration took office, eliminating the need for urban traders to travel to production zones for bulk purchases. The cedi's strengthening from 18 to approximately 10 against the dollar has simultaneously discouraged cross-border buyers from Togo, Burkina Faso and neighboring countries who previously benefited from favorable exchange rates.
Agriculture Minister Eric Opoku has directed the National Buffer Stock Company to acquire surplus crops while implementing nationwide price standardization for staples, including maize, rice and groundnut. Farmers have requested reduced input costs for fertilizers and agrochemicals despite the relief that lower food prices provide consumers. Producers report difficulty finding buyers even at reduced rates, resulting in post-harvest losses and financial strain across the sector.
Agriculture Minister Eric Opoku has directed the National Buffer Stock Company to acquire surplus crops while implementing nationwide price standardization for staples, including maize, rice and groundnut. Farmers have requested reduced input costs for fertilizers and agrochemicals despite the relief that lower food prices provide consumers. Producers report difficulty finding buyers even at reduced rates, resulting in post-harvest losses and financial strain across the sector.
