Tackling Food Prices to Restore Ghana’s Hope-William Sarpong Writes



Food insecurity has become a pressing issue for many Ghanaians under the current New Patriotic Party (NPP) government, as escalating prices of staple items continue to burden households. 


In communities across Ghana, stories abound of families forced to adjust their eating habits, with some resorting to just one meal a day. The rising cost of food, compounded by inflation and a struggling economy, has left ordinary citizens grappling with tough choices.


The cost of essential items such as maize, rice, and yams has skyrocketed, disproportionately affecting low-income earners. Market surveys reveal that a bag of maize, which sold for GH₵200 three years ago, now costs upwards of GH₵600, while other staples have experienced similar price hikes. 


Traders attribute these increases to high transportation costs, erratic weather patterns affecting crop yields, and limited government intervention to stabilize the agricultural sector.


President John Dramani Mahama, through his campaign promises, has identified food affordability as a key area to restore public confidence. His tenure as President from 2012 to 2016 saw various agricultural initiatives aimed at boosting food production and reducing dependence on imports. 


Programs such as the establishment of farmer support schemes and investments in mechanized farming laid the groundwork for affordable food pricing. Reviving and expanding these initiatives could make a tangible difference in the lives of ordinary Ghanaians.


Reducing food prices would require a multifaceted approach, including bolstering local agriculture, reducing post-harvest losses, and addressing inefficiencies in the food supply chain. 


Additionally, targeted subsidies on farm inputs like fertilizers and seeds could empower smallholder farmers, ensuring higher yields at reduced costs. Improved infrastructure, such as roads and storage facilities, would also minimize waste and cut down transportation expenses, further stabilizing food prices.


If President Mahama succeeds in this endeavor, it would not only alleviate the daily struggles of families but also serve as a testament to his leadership’s commitment to addressing fundamental issues. Affordable food is more than just a necessity. It symbolizes hope and equity in a country striving for economic recovery.

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