By Gladys Abakah/Desmond Amponsah
Takoradi, May 26, GNA- Prices of basic commodities remain high on the market in the Central Business District in Takoradi despite the recent gains made by the cedi against the major international currencies.
During a market survey by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) around the Central Business District of Takoradi, it was observed that prices of food commodities remained expensive in spite of the appreciation of the cedi.
Madam Marian Asmah, a vegetable seller, told the GNA in an interview that the appreciation of the cedi was yet to be reflected in the pricing of basic food items on the market.
She noted that prices of food commodities like pepper, okro, and garden eggs among others were solely dependent on weather conditions and their availability, and not the exchange rates.
“Even if the cedi goes as low as GHC8, certain foods commodities do not get affected in terms of price control,” she said.
Madam Eunice Ahelagbe, an onion seller, also shared a similar opinion, and called for a national price control on all goods as the cedi gained strength.
She however said: “Since most market women are still selling old stocks, it will take some months for the prices to be reduced since they cannot sell it at a cheaper price and run at a loss,” she added.
Other traders were happy that the cedi had gained strength and urged the government to do something about the cost of commodities so that the ordinary Ghanaian could “feel the economic progress” when they go to buy some basic items on the market.
GNA
Edited By Justina Paaga and Lydia Kukua Asamoah