Takoradi: Prices of basic commodities remain high on the market in the Central Business District in Takoradi despite the recent gains made by the cedi against the major international currencies.

According to Ghana News Agency, during a market survey around the Central Business District of Takoradi, it was observed that prices of food commodities remained expensive in spite of the appreciation of the cedi.

Madam Marian Asmah, a vegetable seller, stated in an interview that the appreciation of the cedi was yet to be reflected in the pricing of basic food items on the market. She noted that prices of food commodities like pepper, okro, and garden eggs among others were solely dependent on weather conditions and their availability, and not the exchange rates. She mentioned that even if the cedi reaches a lower value, certain food commodities do not get affected in terms of price control.

Madam Eunice Ahelagbe, an onion seller, also shared a similar opinion, calling for a national price control on all goods as the cedi gained strength. She explained that since most market women are still selling old stocks, it will take some months for the prices to be reduced since they cannot sell at a cheaper price without incurring losses.

Other traders expressed gladness over the cedi’s appreciation and urged the government to address the cost of commodities so that ordinary Ghanaians could experience economic progress when purchasing basic items in the market.