An insight into how much the general public might spend on food in the month of June.
Ghana is witnessing mixed trade with regards to food prices in June 2020.
Over the past month, prices of some commodities have reduced marginally, whilst others have increased by over 12 percent.
This is according to the latest commodity index released by the agriculture and food profiling agency, Esoko Ghana.
Prices for Cowpea (white) (109kg), and local rice (100kg) fell by less than 0.5 percent at the end of May 2020. New prices are GH₵426.29 and GH₵344.86, respectively.
Price of a crate of tomatoes (72kg) stood at GHC933.17, representing an increase of 12.97 percent over the month of May 2020. A bag of cassava (91kg) has also increased by 12.47 percent to sell at GH₵139.83 as at the end of May 2020.
Similarly, Pona, a variety of Yam, ended the month of May at GH₵837.00 per 100 tubers, indicating an increase of 2.74 percent.
Also, Soya (109kg) ended the month at GH₵276.00 per bag, an increase of 1.58 percent. A bag of maize (100kg) has increased by 1.39 percent, now selling at GH₵166.29 per bag.
Wheat (50kg) has also increased by 1.08 percent, to sell at GH₵299.60 per bag as at the end of May.
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Food Prices for June 2020
All things being equal, it is expected that commodity prices will continue to trade mix for June 2020, with some more commodities recording lower prices.
Maize
The average price for a bag of maize (100kg) has increased by 1.39 percent, to sell at GH₵166.29, at the end of May. The highest price of GH₵236.00 was recorded at Takoradi. The lowest price of GH₵99.00, was recorded at Tamale.
Rice Local
The average price for a bag of local rice (100kg) has reduced by 0.41 percent, ending the month of May at GH₵344.86.The highest price GH₵440 was recorded at Dambai. The lowest price of GH₵246.00 was recorded at Tamale.
Tomato
A crate of tomato (72kg) increased by 12.97 percent, selling at GHC933.17 as at the end of May.The highest price, GH₵1600 was recorded at Dambai and the lowest price of GH₵420.00 recorded at Tamale.
Food prices usually at this time of the year could be high. However in addition to the seasonal spikes at the onset of the rainy season, the restricted movements and caution by food vendors could all be reasons why food prices have increased.
By Salifu B.B. Moro
