A recent market survey conducted by Spear FM in Damongo, the capital of the Savannah Region, has brought some respite to consumers. According to the survey, market women have confirmed a noticeable reduction in the prices of foodstuffs, grains, and vegetables. However, prices of building materials, particularly cement, have remained unchanged.
The survey, which aimed to assess the impact of the recent appreciation of the Ghanaian cedi against the US dollar on commodity prices, revealed that traders and businessmen have indeed reduced prices of goods such as grains, vegetables, and other foodstuffs. However, yam prices have remained stagnant since the beginning of the year.
Speaking to some building material dealers, despite reports on social media suggesting a reduction in cement prices to GHS 85 and GHS 83, prices have remained unchanged at GHS 106 and GHS 107 at the factories. Consequently, a bag of cement is still selling at GHS 115 and GHS 113 at various shops, with transportation costs remaining the same.
At the Damongo daily market, traders reported a slight drop in commodity prices. Mma Barikisu, a tomato trader, noted that six pieces of tomatoes, previously sold at GHS 10, are now selling at GHS 5. A box of tomatoes, formerly bought at GHS 3,000, is now available at GHS 2,000. She attributed the price reduction to the importation of tomatoes from southern parts of the country, such as Techiman in the Bono East Region, due to low rainfall in the north.
However, yam prices have remained unchanged, with four tubers selling at GHS 100 and water yam at three tubers for GHS 20. Traders lamented that yam prices have not fluctuated since the beginning of the year.
Other commodities have seen price reductions, including local rice, which is selling at GHS 30 and GHS 35 per bowl, depending on the variety. Millet is sold at GHS 30 per bowl, beans at GHS 60, 70, and 80, and a mini paint container of maize at GHS 30. Cassava is selling at GHS 20.
Traders revealed that a bag of local rice, previously bought at GHS 1,700, is now available at GHS 1,500. However, they expressed concerns about high transportation costs. A bag of fresh okro, bought at GHS 1,000 in Ejura, incurs transportation costs of between GHS 250 and GHS 300 and is now sold at 7 pieces for GHS 5.
The survey also found reductions in prices of vegetable cooking oil, with a 25-liter container now selling at GHS 650, down from GHS 750. A 5-liter container now costs GHS 200, reduced from GHS 250, while a 2-liter container is now GHS 60, down from GHS 80. A 1-liter container, previously GHS 50, is now GHS 40.
Additionally, prices of various rice brands and tomato paste have decreased, with a bag of onion now selling between GHS 1,200 and GHS 1,300, down from GHS 2,500.
Traders in Damongo expressed gratitude to the government for its interventions, which have contributed to the price reductions. They promised to further reduce prices when the economy stabilizes.
According to the traders, most of the price reductions took effect in May 2025. As the economy continues to evolve, consumers can expect more relief in the coming months.
Price List:
- Tomatoes: 6 pieces for GHS 5 (previously GHS 10)
- Box of tomatoes: GHS 2,000 (previously GHS 3,000)
- Yam: 4 tubers for GHS 100 (unchanged)
- Water yam: 3 tubers for GHS 20 (unchanged)
- Local rice: GHS 30-35 per bowl
- Millet: GHS 30 per bowl
- Beans: GHS 60-80 per bowl
- Maize: GHS 30 per mini paint container
- Cassava: GHS 20
Vegetable cooking oil:
- 25 liters: GHS 650 (previously GHS 750)
- 5 liters: GHS 200 (previously GHS 250)
- 2 liters: GHS 60 (previously GHS 80)
- 1 liter: GHS 40 (previously GHS 50)
Onion: GHS 1,200-1,300 per bag (previously GHS 2,500)
Cement: GHS 115 and GHS 113 per bag (unchanged)
