By Kingsley Mamore
Ofosu (O/R) June 25, GNA- Hundreds of cassava dough producers in communities across the Oti Region are facing mounting financial losses as large quantities of processed cassava remain unsold and exposed to harsh weather conditions.
A visit by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) to the compound of the Ofosu Basic School in the Nkwanta South Municipality revealed heaps of bagged cassava dough stacked in the open under makeshift coverings, with some bags already torn and their contents deteriorating.
The produce, which serves as a major source of income for many households in the area, had reportedly been processed several months ago for sale to traders from major commercial centres across the country.
However, residents said the anticipated buyers failed to return, leaving the producers stranded with tonnes of unsold stock.
The situation has become a source of worry for farmers and processors who invested substantial amounts of money in purchasing cassava, processing the crop, packaging the dough and transporting it to collection points.
Several of the bags observed by the GNA showed signs of spoilage, while domestic animals freely roamed around the storage area, further increasing the risk of contamination and complete loss of the product.
Madam Rejoice Manyiba, a food vendor and resident of Ofosu, described the situation as unfortunate.
“The owners processed the cassava dough expecting traders to come for it as they usually do, but the market has been slow in recent months. Some buyers have not returned, and the products have been left here for months,” she told the GNA.
According to her, many families depend on cassava processing for their livelihood, and the current situation could worsen economic hardship in the community if the products remain unsold.
Madam Amina Yahya, another resident, attributed the challenge to declining demand in some urban markets and rising transportation costs.
“The traders say business is not moving as expected in the cities. Because of that, they are reluctant to buy in large quantities. The producers are suffering because they have already spent money on processing the cassava,” she explained.
For many households in the Oti Region, cassava processing represents more than a business activity; it is a critical source of employment, particularly for women and young people involved in peeling, milling, fermenting and packaging the product.
Local producers say they are increasingly worried that continued market challenges could discourage farmers from expanding production during future farming seasons.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Benjamin Mensah