Prices of onion are surging in Takoradi, which could be attributed to the boarder restrictions imposed by ECOWAS, following the recent military takeover in Niger. 

Checks by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at the Takoradi Onion Market revealed that the quantity of onions on the market was limited and traders were grappling with the price hikes.   

A bigger bag of onions that used to sell at GHC900 and GHC1,000 now goes for GHC1,400 and GHC1,500. 

The GNA also realised that a smaller sack usually sold for GHC200 now goes for GHC600, while a GHc100 container is selling at GHC170. 

Smaller quantities in measuring cans, popularly known as ‘olonka’ sold for GHC20 have doubled to GHC40, while the least price one could buy is GHC5.00.   

Mr Simon Kapuru, an onion seller, told the GNA that there could be shortages if the situation remained unresolved.  

“Our livelihoods depend on this business, so we are appealing to the authorities to find a way to resolve this challenge for our onion businesses to go on smoothly,” he said.  

Mr Jacob Akandaga, another seller, said aside from Niger, Ghana imported significant percentage of onions from Nigeria… and with the closure of the Niger boarder, those importing from Nigeria would subsequently increase their prices.”  He expressed worry over the situation and appealed to the authorities to find a lasting solution to it to help sustain their businesses.