There is shortage of bread in parts of northern Ghana. Bakers there have embarked on strike over high cost of production.
Several bakeries have been shut down as bakers lay down their tools over hikes in prices of flour and other products.
Madam Esther Siriboe, an executive member of the Northern Region Bakers Association told journalists that the strike is strategic to pave way for an increase in prices of bread.
“The strike doesn’t mean we are going on demonstration. We also want an increase our prices so we are creating artificial shortage.
Sugar has been increased, flour has been increased, and margarine has also been increased so we must also increase our prices.”
Bread prices to go up
According to Siriboe within three months the price of flour has been increased by about 20 percent.
Price of sugar has also been increased by about 50 percent whilst the price margarine has been increased significantly, according to her.
Siriboe says “everything has been increased. So that has pushed us to also increase our prices.”
“1 pound of tea bread will reduce to 8 ounces. Butter bread will also reduce from six pieces to five. Sugar bread will also increase by 20 percent,” she added.
Bread shortages during Muslim fast
There are fears that the bread shortage will worsen as Muslims begin their fast in the next few days.
But the bakers say there is very little they can do about the situation. They insist the cost of production must reduce.
Many Ghanaians enjoy many of their beverages with bread and the shortage and associated strike could mean create a food crisis.
Source: Africafeeds.com
