Patrons of Ga kenkey in Accra may soon need to budget for additional costs if they wish to continue enjoying this traditional delicacy.
The price of ingredients used to make kenkey has been steadily increasing, prompting some sellers to consider adjusting their prices to cover these rising costs.
According to reports, owners of Ga kenkey joints in areas such as Adabraka, Osu, Tudu, and Jamestown are facing significant increases in the cost of ingredients.
For example, a bag of pepper, a key ingredient in the preparation of kenkey sauce, now costs GH¢800. As a result, many sellers are contemplating including the cost of pepper, onions, and tomatoes in their production costs.
One noticeable impact of this decision is that the pepper sauce, traditionally served with kenkey and comprising ground pepper with slices of onions and tomatoes, may no longer be provided for free. This change could represent a significant shift for patrons who have long enjoyed the affordability and accessibility of Ga kenkey.
Kenkey, a staple dish enjoyed by many, particularly the Gas, has been a popular choice for its affordability and accessibility. It is typically served with pepper sauce and fried fish, with some more upscale establishments offering additional toppings such as avocados, shrimps, and fried eggs.
In interviews with The Mirror, some Ga kenkey sellers expressed concern about the rising cost of ingredients. They noted that pepper, in particular, has become prohibitively expensive, with a bag now costing GH¢800. This increase in costs has made it challenging for sellers to provide customers with the desired amount of pepper sauce, leading to dissatisfaction among some patrons.
Hajia, a seller at the Kenkey Boutique Company Ltd in Adabraka, lamented the rising cost of ingredients, noting that she is struggling to meet customer demand for pepper sauce. Despite knowing that the quantity she serves is inadequate, she is unable to provide more pepper to her customers due to the high cost.
Overall, the increasing cost of ingredients is likely to have a significant impact on the affordability and accessibility of Ga kenkey in Accra, potentially changing the dining experience for many patrons.