The week to September 18 saw the price of maize (white) soaring in the Techiman market. In an unusual market movement in recent weeks, the price of maize in the market increased from 0.24 a kilo to 0.38 a kilo in the wholesale market. In the retail market, the price increased from 0.32 a kilo in the previous week to 0.40 a kilo. However, the price of the commodity had remained low in the past weeks, compared to the price pertaining in the other markets covered by Esoko. According to Esoko market watchers; even though the price increase in relative to market activity in recent weeks was unusual, it was much in line with market trends. Seasonal price variations, mainly influenced by the arrival of new stocks on the market have always caused price swings. This, market watchers say, evens out over the last quarter of the year. Even though prices are hovering around 0.40 a kilo currently, some traders are predicting a year-end price of 0.25 a kilo. The explanation is that once the price of the commodity has increased in some particular markets, traders are quick to move around commodities fairly quickly, causing prices to settle, reflecting the national demand and supply patterns. This however is not the case for all commodities, especially the perishables. Currently, Takoradi Market has the highest price for maize white of 0.80 per kilo in retail trading and 0.62 a kilo in wholesale trading. Compared to the general market performance, even with the increase of maize (white) prices in the Techiman market, the price is not that high compared to that of other markets. Tomato prices in the Kumasi central market continued its upward surge in the previous week, in the week to September 18, when it increased from 1.25 a kilo in wholesale trading to 1.35 a kilo, and from 1.54 a kilo in retail trades to 1.67 a kilo. The price of tomatoes in most markets has been flat in recent weeks, with some farmers actually losing from their investment in their farming venture. Some farming communities have called on the government to intervene, as they feel the pressure from the price crash, following this year’s early harvest. The Esoko Ghana Commodity Index- Retails (EGCI-R) closed the week to September 18 at 2316.78 from the previous week’s closing of 2300.85 with the wholesale index-EGCI-W, closing the week at 938.38 down from 945.74 from the previous week. The composite index, which is calculated based on 12 commodities across seven markets. Generally, prices of commodities have remained fairly stable in the past three months, reflecting the low levels of inflationary pressures in the economy. Source: Esoko