Ghana Grapples With Cooking Ingredient Shortage Amid Niger Sanctions

Traders in Ghana express concern over potential negative business effects due to ECOWAS’ economic blockade of Niger Republic.

Ghanaian traders worry that the ongoing economic blockade imposed on Niger Republic by ECOWAS could significantly impact their businesses.

Following an ultimatum issued by ECOWAS Heads of State to the military junta in Niger last week, which demanded the restoration of ousted civilian President Muhamed Bazoum, economic sanctions and border closures have been implemented.

According to a recent BBC report, concerns are rising in Ghana over the possibility of skyrocketing food prices, exacerbating the country’s already high inflation rate.

The report highlights that a substantial portion of Ghana’s onion supply is imported from Niger.

Furthermore, it points out that a potential shortage of this essential cooking ingredient is causing alarm, particularly as more than 70 trucks loaded with onions intended for Ghana remain stranded at the Niger border.

Traders emphasize that if the sanctions persist, the price of a bag of onions could increase by as much as 90 percent.