In a welcome shift for both retailers and consumers, tomato prices at the Agbogbloshie market have substantially declined after a period of sharp increases.
In recent months, the cost of tomatoes had surged, placing a strain on household budgets and prompting adjustments in purchasing habits.
However, recent trends indicate a significant price reduction, partly attributed to the vegetable’s peak season.
Comfort Annor, a tomato retailer at Agbogbloshie, reported the latest price changes to Citi Business News. “A small paint bucket of tomatoes from Navrongo is now selling for GH₵70, while other local tomatoes are priced at GH₵60,” she said.
“Just a month ago, these buckets were priced at GH₵150 and GH₵100-120 respectively. If we can secure favourable wholesale prices, we might sell them for as low as GH₵50, but currently, they are at GH₵60.”
Despite the price drop, retailers face new challenges as customers demand lower prices. Many traders need help to balance lower profit margins with reduced sales volumes.
Dede Bibioo, another tomato seller, noted the difficulties. “Customers are requesting a small paint bucket of tomatoes for GH₵20-30, while they used to be GH₵50.
Similarly, a box of tomatoes previously GH₵7,000 is now between GH₵1,500-2,000. Although wholesalers have cut prices, attracting buyers remains challenging,” Bibioo said.
The reduced tomato prices have brought a wave of relief to consumers. Sulemana Nasiru, a resident, expressed his optimism about potential further reductions, echoing the sentiments of many others.
With The recent drop in fuel prices, consumers like Nasiru are hopeful that the prices of vegetables, including tomatoes, will decrease even more. This optimism is shared by many, adding a sense of hope to the market.
Retailers are also strongly advocating government intervention to support sustainable tomato farming throughout the year. Their voices are united in the hope of a more stable market.
Comfort Annor suggested that the government invest in large-scale tomato cultivation and processing facilities to mitigate seasonal price fluctuations and reduce reliance on imports.
As the market adjusts to the new pricing dynamics, the focus remains on managing supply and demand to prevent waste and ensure fair pricing for sellers and buyers.
