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Yam sellers at Nana Bosoma Market in Sunyani have explained that the recent surge in yam prices is due to irregular rainfall this year and the high costs of farming inputs.
The sellers noted that limited yam supply has also played a role in the increased prices. Currently, 100 tubers of yam are priced between GHC6,000 and GHC7,500 at farm gates across the Bono Region.
At Nana Bosoma Market, the price of yam has risen compared to the same period in 2023. Presently, three tubers can cost GHC50, with some reaching up to GHC100, depending on their size.
The yam sellers at the market have refuted claims of deliberate price hikes. They attribute the increase to erratic rainfall in the Bono Region and soaring costs of farming inputs. Rebecca Ataa Yeboah, a yam seller, explained, “There would have been an abundance of yam if it had rained. It is because of the poor rains that we do not have enough yam. I believe we will have an abundance of yam in the coming months. Currently, we can only source yam from the Fiaso community.”
Akosua Yeboah, another yam seller, added, “We are not to blame for the high yam prices. Farmers are facing increased costs due to expensive farming inputs, which drives up the price. We only add a small margin for profit.”
Afia Serwaa further noted, “The high prices are due to rising costs of farming inputs and labor. Farmers have to hire labor, adding to their expenses. This year’s challenges mirror last year’s, with prices reaching up to GHC7,500 for 100 tubers. The situation is similar to last year’s struggle to find yam.”
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