Amidst the aftermath of the coup in Niger, onion traders in Ghana are grappling with potential losses due to supply tracks becoming immobilized at the borders of Burkina Faso and Benin.
A substantial quantity of onions, valued at over GHs200 million finds itself trapped at the borders of Burkina Faso and Benin, a direct consequence of the closure of land borders.
This predicament has triggered concerns regarding potential shortages and subsequent price surges.
The delay in the transit of more than 75 supply tracks has stirred apprehension among onion importers.
These merchants fear that they may not manage to recoup their initial investments made in procuring the goods.
One trader bemoaned the situation, saying, "It's been almost a week now, and all the onions have perished in the vehicles. By the time they arrive here, we won't have any salvageable onions left."
The once-thriving Agyen Kotoko onion market now stands with empty storage facilities.
"We have over 75 cars standing on the border and it has affected our business. Since you can see the market, it is empty simply because of the coup", another trader added.
The Peasant Farmers Association is calling on government to take advantage of the situation to shore up local production of onions to avert such a crisis in the future.
“For we, the farmers, we think this is a golden opportunity, my only appeal to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture is that, they should try to support us with the seeds, with the water supply system and with the knowledge. Once we do that, we will be able to increase our current yields of 10 metric tons to 35 metric tons that Nigeriens are doing because our lands are more fertile than those lands," the Association's President, Charles Nyaaba said.
Latest Stories
-
Telecel Ghana’s announces 2024 cohort of Female Engineering Students Scholarship Programme
22 mins -
Let us advocate for female representation on land committees – Lands Commission
29 mins -
Special Prosecutor’s removal will erode confidence in corruption fight – Dr Osae-Kwapong
32 mins -
IMF programme blamed for the cedi’s decline
37 mins -
President’s convoy accident: Akufo-Addo safe, unharmed – Presidency
38 mins -
Starry Horizon Project: Igniting Ghana’s Passion for Astronomy
41 mins -
CAFCC: Zamalek crowned Confederation Cup champions after nervy win over RS Berkane
45 mins -
Akufo-Addo’s appointment of Kpemka as Deputy BOST MD unconstitutional, says Kwabena Donkor
58 mins -
Bryan Acheampong’s hotel gave the best offer for 60% share in 4 hotels – SSNIT
1 hour -
Lil Nas X: I felt like an imposter on tour
1 hour -
Government to commission and operationalise Agenda 111 project in phases
2 hours -
Singer Libianca on the pressure to take sides in Cameroon war
2 hours -
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi killed in helicopter crash, official says
2 hours -
Anne Robinson confirms relationship with Queen’s ex-husband Andrew Parker Bowles
3 hours -
From denial to admission: How a surveillance tape held Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs accountable
3 hours