Techiman: The price of maize has seen a marginal decrease in the Techiman Central Market in the Bono East Regional capital, a Ghana News Agency (GNA) market survey reveals. During a visit to the market, a bag of maize which used to sell at between GHC800 and GHC1,000 depending on the size was selling at GHC450 downwards.
According to Ghana News Agency, traders at the market attributed the price decrease partly to government policies that had strengthened the Ghana cedi. Meanwhile, residents in the capital expressed joy about the price decrease, as it has alleviated some of their economic burdens. Madam Cecilia Amoako, a teacher and mother of four, said she was pleased that "the country is moving in the right direction." She noted that she had just purchased a half bag of maize for GHC200 and a bag of rice for GHC250, praising the government's efforts.
Mama Salamatu Briamah, a 'Waakye' seller, also mentioned that she had reduced the price of her boiled rice due to the reduction in market prices. In a related development, maize and rice farmers in the region have urged the government to expedite the establishment of farmer mechanization centers as outlined in the NDC Election 2024 manifesto. They emphasized that the Municipality serves as a food basket of the region, and these centers would provide necessary support to expand their agricultural activities.
Mr. Alhassan Bukari, a maize farmer at Amantin, told the GNA that many farmers are eager to engage in commercial farming to improve their socio-economic conditions. However, they require improved seeds, fertilizers, and other farm inputs and logistics. They also called on the government to provide storage facilities and build processing factories for fruits and vegetables.
When contacted, Mr. Francis Owusu Antwi, the Bono East Regional Minister, told the GNA that the government is committed to modernizing agriculture and improving food productivity. He stated that the Bono East Regional Coordinating Council has prioritized farming and will provide farmers with the necessary seeds, logistics, and farm inputs to support their economic activities.
