Editorial
Increase in food prices: We need more sustainable measures
Some workers at the Ministry buying food stuffs
Dear Editor,
Permit me to express my thoughts on the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) ‘market’ set up in Accra recently by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture. The ministry since last week had been selling foodstuff at prices patrons say were relatively cheaper than those on the open market.
This week, I heard other produce would be available at the Efua Sutherland Children’s Park. While some people have lauded the initiative others say food distribution or supply cannot be within the mandate of the agriculture ministry.
Others suggest that the Ministry’s direct sale of foodstuffs would create the impression that traders on the open market are responsible for the escalating food prices in the country.
Whatever be the argument, tough times call for drastic measures hence the decision by the ministry to go to the hinterlands to cart and supply goods to the general public.
While at it, I am yet to see any clear measures the ministry is putting in place to address the numerous challenges traders face in transporting food to their final destination, the capital Accra and elsewhere. Transportation cost, according to traders, had been a major determinant in the prices of goods.
Unlike the ministry, that has enough logistics to cart goods from the hinterlands, traders sometimes have to convey goods in transit for many days before arriving at their final destinations.
Many have said the Ministry’s approach to addressing the high cost of food prices in the country is not sustainable and I cannot agree less. Although this may bring some temporary relief, consumers wonder what will happen in the months and years ahead when this pilot arrangement is over.
Selling foodstuff at the Ministry without tackling the root causes of the general high cost of food prices in the country only amounts to window-dressing the issues. We cannot continue this way, citizens deserve better!
Franklin Kwabena Okyere,
Dodowa