While skyrocketing food prices that have left many Ghanaians struggling, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament for North Tongu, has strongly criticized Bryan Acheampong, the Minister of Food and Agriculture, for prioritizing the purchase of SSNIT hotels over addressing the urgent food crisis.

In a recent post on X, Ablakwa expressed his frustration over Acheampong's involvement in what he describes as a "stinking transaction."

"It is a national tragedy that instead of Ghana’s Food & Agriculture Minister, Bryan Acheampong, concentrating on urgent policy interventions to resolve skyrocketing food prices, his focus is rather on an ill-fated effort to purchase our SSNIT hotels," Ablakwa wrote.

"He refuses to back out of the stinking transaction, which has outraged many Ghanaians and been equally condemned by organised labour."

The timing of Ablakwa’s criticism coincides with reports of significant increases in food prices, particularly in the capital, Accra.

Recent data indicates that the price of a box of tomatoes has surged by 360% in less than six months, rising from GHC 1500 in January 2024 to GHC 6000 - GHC 7000 in June 2024.

This sharp increase has placed additional strain on households already grappling with economic challenges.

Poultry Industry Struggles

The crisis extends beyond just tomatoes. Yesterday, the Chief Executive Officer of Joerees Farms & Foods, Joseph Boakye-Yiadom, warned consumers of an impending sharp increase in egg prices due to soaring production costs. In an interview with JoyNews, Boakye-Yiadom highlighted the economic pressures facing the poultry industry, detailing substantial increases in the costs of essential inputs like maize and soybean meal.

“The Ghana poultry industry is in great distress at the moment. This increase is a result of our production input. For example, maize started this year in January, selling at between 190 and 200 cedis per 50 kg, but as I speak with you, it is between 260–270 cedis. Soybean meal started the year around 410–420, and now it’s about 520–530,” Boakye-Yiadom explained.

To sustain operations, poultry farmers will need to adjust egg prices accordingly, with Boakye-Yiadom indicating that consumers should expect to pay between 70 and 75 cedis per crate from retailers in the coming months.

Ablakwa’s comments reflect a broader public outrage over the government's handling of the food crisis. Many Ghanaians are calling for immediate action to stabilize prices and ensure food security.

Organised labour groups have also condemned the government’s focus on transactions perceived as self-serving, urging the administration to prioritize the welfare of the citizens.