Yam sellers at the Nana Bosoma Market in Sunyani have cited irregular rainfall patterns and high farming input costs as the primary reasons for the surge in yam prices.
They emphasize that the inadequate supply of yams in the market has also contributed to the price hike.
Currently, 100 tubers of yam are selling for between GHC6,000 and GHC7,500 at farm gates in the Bono Region, with prices higher at the Nana Bosoma Market compared to the same period last year.
The yam sellers deny allegations of artificially inflating prices, instead attributing the increase to factors beyond their control. They explain that the poor rainfall has led to a scarcity of yams, resulting in higher prices.
Rebecca Ataa Yeboah, a yam seller, notes that the Fiaso community is currently the only source of yams, and she expects an abundance of yams in the coming months.
Akosua Yeboah, another seller, highlights the impact of expensive farming inputs on farmers, leading to higher costs and subsequently, higher prices.
Afia Serwaa adds that labor costs have also increased, forcing farmers to hire help, which adds to their expenses.
The sellers emphasize that this is not an isolated incident, as they faced similar challenges last year.
The prices of yams have skyrocketed, with 100 tubers costing between GHC5,000 and GHC7,500, depending on the size and quality.
The yam sellers urge understanding, attributing the price hike to factors beyond their control, including weather conditions and high farming input costs.
