WGM: Agric Director Calls for Food Price Cuts as Produce Costs Fall

The West Gonja Municipal Director of Agriculture, Alhaji Mumuni Ibrahim, who also serves as President of the Association of Agriculture Directors of Ghana, has appealed to food vendors in the municipality to reduce the prices of cooked food and other consumables in response to the significant reduction in the cost of farm produce.

Speaking on Ashumaa Savannah Kasha FM’s flagship programme on Wednesday, November 19, Alhaji Ibrahim said the government has made major gains in stabilising the economy, particularly within the agricultural value chain. 

He stressed that food vendors must play their part by adjusting their prices downward to reflect the current cost of goods.

According to him, key commodities such as maize, cooking oil and several other food items have dropped by nearly 50 percent. 

“As a crop and livestock farmer myself, I buy maize and sell eggs, so I know how drastically the price of maize has reduced. I have reduced my egg prices by about 50 percent, and I expect others to do the same,”.

He described it as unfair for farmers to sell a bag of maize which previously cost around GH¢1,000 for as low as GH¢500, only to purchase food from vendors at the same old prices. 

He urged traders to act responsibly and support the government’s efforts to make food more affordable for the public.

Alhaji Ibrahim also outlined several government flagship programmes set to roll out in the municipality, including Feed Ghana, institutional farming initiatives, Farmer Service Centres, and the Nkoko Nkitinkiti project, all aimed at boosting agricultural production and food security.

He reaffirmed his commitment to delivering transparent and unbiased service, promising to work with his team to support all serious farmers in achieving their goals and aligning with national agricultural policies.

Touching on the recurring tensions between farmers and cattle herdsmen, he promised to lead collaborative efforts with traditional leaders, security agencies, and other stakeholders to find lasting solutions. 

He noted that he successfully handled similar challenges during his tenure as Agric Director in the Bole District.

The Municipal Agric Director called for collective responsibility, emphasising that stabilising food prices is important for sustaining the gains made in the agricultural sector and the broader economy.

Source: kashafmonline.com