The Onion Sellers Association of Ghana has reassured the public regarding concerns over a potential increase in onion prices due to Niger’s withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States.
Despite worries of price hikes and shortages, onion prices have remained stable. Mr. Ali Umar, Public Relations Officer for the association, emphasized in an exclusive interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that onions continue to be sold at previous market prices across various outlets in Accra and nationwide.
“We want to assure Ghanaians that there has not been any blockade in Niger to necessitate a price increment or shortage. Right now, everything is going smoothly, and all is well.
“We have enough onions to supply the country right now, so there is no problem. We are fully aware of Niger’s exit from ECOWAS, but it has not affected onion supply in any way,” he said.
In a joint communiqué on January 28, 2024, Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso announced their withdrawal from the sub-regional body, citing various reasons such as the bloc’s deviation from its core objectives and perceived influence from foreign powers.
Experts have cautioned about the possibility of a food crisis in nations dependent on exports from these three countries.
Mr. Umar provided assurance to Ghanaians that onion prices would remain steady, countering misleading claims of an imminent blockade. Last year, ECOWAS initially sanctioned Niger in July, resulting in increased prices of onions and other agricultural products imported from the country.