The Chamber of Agribusiness Ghana has issued a compelling appeal for coordinated, nationwide price adjustments across the agribusiness and agro-industrial sectors, highlighting that Ghana’s food system is under unprecedented strain.
This call to action, directed at all players along the agricultural value chain, from input suppliers and commodity traders to food retailers and transporters, stresses the urgent need for collective efforts to safeguard food security and support the national economy.
In a statement signed by Chief Executive Officer Anthony Morrison, the Chamber pointed to soaring food prices as a direct threat to public health and national stability:
“Millions of Ghanaians are being priced out of nutritious diets, undermining our collective goals of food security, improved nutrition, and national prosperity.” the statement reads.
While recognising the cost pressures faced by agribusinesses, the Chamber emphasised that:
“Inaction is not an option,” calling on all stakeholders to embrace shared responsibility.
Why sector-wide price reductions are essential
The Chamber outlined five key reasons why coordinated price reductions are both critical and achievable:
- Preventing Malnutrition and Disease: Rising food prices force low-income households to substitute nutritious foods with cheaper, nutrient-poor alternatives.
“This shift has already contributed to rising levels of malnutrition and diet-related diseases. Affordable prices are vital to protect public health.”
- Securing Farmer Livelihoods: High input costs are limiting farmers’ ability to cultivate, reducing yields, and forcing some to abandon farming altogether.
“Lower post-farmgate margins would allow for fairer prices to farmers while keeping them in business.”
- Combating Food Inflation: Food represents the largest component of Ghana’s Consumer Price Index (CPI). Sustained inflation erodes savings, depresses wages, and threatens economic stability.
“Reducing food prices is the most direct lever to ease inflationary pressure.”
- Reviving Consumer Demand: Excessive food costs reduce disposable income, constraining demand across the wider economy.
“Making food more affordable would stimulate spending and help drive broader economic recovery.”
- Cutting Waste and Improving Efficiency: High retail prices often conceal inefficiencies along the supply chain.
“Pressure to reduce prices drives innovation and operational improvements, minimising post-harvest losses and streamlining processes.”
A Call for Bold Government Action
In addition to urging the private sector to adjust pricing and improve efficiency, the Chamber presented a clear set of demands for government intervention:
- Subsidised Inputs: Implement transparent, digitally managed subsidy programmes for fertilisers and seeds, and support local input production to reduce import dependence.
- Modern Storage Solutions: Invest in climate-smart storage infrastructure, including silos and cold storage, to reduce post-harvest losses currently estimated between 30–50%.
- Transport and Logistics Improvements: Prioritise the rehabilitation of key feeder roads, enforce axle load limits, invest in rail transport, and support modern, fuel-efficient freight fleets.
- Enhanced Access to Finance: Expand programmes like GIRSAL and develop de-risked lending products tailored for SMEs across the value chain.
- Market Intelligence Systems: Develop real-time, national market information platforms accessible via mobile devices to improve pricing transparency and coordination.
A Shared National Responsibility
The Chamber concluded with a call to both industry and government:
“Adjust your margins. Streamline operations. Innovate for efficiency. Lower prices to reflect the economic reality faced by Ghanaian consumers and farmers.”the Chamber urged its members.
To the government, it stated, “We demand decisive action. The challenges outlined are not insurmountable. With political will and strategic investment, affordable, nutritious food for all Ghanaians is within reach.”
The Chamber emphasised that only through a united effort—responsible pricing by the private sector alongside bold, innovative government policies—can Ghana achieve lasting food security and realise its agricultural potential.
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