The Agric Minister says the recent hike in food prices is usually around August and September, assuring consumers that they should expect it to normalise by January 2022.
Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto speaking on PM Express on the JoyNews channel, the Minister said, "We expect that prices and supplies will be back to normal come November, December, January."
He also explained that the underlying factor for the recent hike is drought which resulted in low yields.
"Every four, five years, there's a drought; it's not something new. So prices have always gone up in this period, seasonally every year.
"If you look at the records going back 60 years or more, Every five years there's been a drought, and we've been lucky. We had normal years from 2017 through to 2019, and in 2020 we were hit.
"In the southern part of the country, there was a drought in both the minor and major seasons. So obviously, that's the underlying factor.
The Minister admits that the production of crops such as maise and other grains went down but insists it primarily affected the feed for livestock and not human consumption.
Dr Afriyie Akoto also dismissed suggestions that prices are high due to the shortage of food on the market.
He said that the country is experiencing low stocks and not a shortage.
The Minister further stated that "countries coming to Ghana to buy grains are doing so because they are experiencing shortages, but in Ghana, we are exporting, so there can't be a shortage. The shortage is when, in spite of what money you carry, you can't get food to buy," he said.
Latest Stories
-
Paris 2024: Opening ceremony showcases grandiose celebration of French culture and diversity
3 hours -
How decline of Indian vultures led to 500,000 human deaths
4 hours -
Paris 2024: Ghana rocks ‘fabulous fugu’ at olympics opening ceremony
4 hours -
Trust Hospital faces financial strain with rising debt levels – Auditor-General’s report
5 hours -
Electrochem lease: Allocate portions of land to Songor people – Resident demand
5 hours -
82 widows receive financial aid from Chayil Foundation
5 hours -
The silent struggles: Female journalists grapple with Ghana’s high cost of living
5 hours -
BoG yet to make any payment to Service Ghana Auto Group
5 hours -
‘Crushed Young’: The Multimedia Group, JL Properties surprise accident victim’s family with fully-furnished apartment
6 hours -
Asante Kotoko needs structure that would outlive any administration – Opoku Nti
6 hours -
JoyNews exposé on Customs officials demanding bribes airs on July 29
7 hours -
JoyNews Impact Maker Awardee ships first consignment of honey from Kwahu Afram Plains
8 hours -
Joint committee under fire over report on salt mining lease granted Electrochem
8 hours -
Life Lounge with Edem Knight-Tay: Don’t be beaten the third time
8 hours -
Pro-NPP group launched to help ‘Break the 8’
8 hours