A visit to the Agbogbloshie, Adabraka, and Madina markets revealed that prices of many commodities have indeed declined from levels recorded in January this year, though some variations remain depending on location and availability.

A paint bucket of onions, which was priced at GH¢120 in January, now sells between GH¢40 and GH¢60. Traders at­tributed the price fluctuation to the season­al nature and availability of onions, noting that the price could change weekly.

A 25kg bag of Royal Aroma rice, pre­viously sold at GH¢650, is now going for GH¢585. In line with this, traders at the Madina market reported selling the same bag for GH¢380, down from GH¢430 in January.

Additionally, the price of 25 litres of cooking oil has seen a significant decline­from GH¢980 in January to GH¢640, according to the Finance Ministry. Traders at Madina Market reported an even lower price of GH¢510, down from GH¢770 earlier in the year.

Traders at Agbogbloshie market told The Ghanaian Times that the current price of one Olonka of sugar ranged between GH¢38 and GH¢40, a drop of a about GH¢ 10.00 from the prevailing prices a months ago.

Similarly, a sack of kokonte which pre­viously sold at GH¢1,200 in January, now sells for GH¢950, while a sack of maize, which cost GH¢1,600, is currently being sold between GH¢1,000 and GH¢1,200, depending on the market.

Sanitary pads that sold for GH¢25 in Jan­uary are now retailing between GH¢15 and GH¢18 in several shops at Agbogbloshie and Adabraka.

The Ghanaian Times notes that prices may vary depending on the location, supply chain factors, and consumer demand.

Although some traders and officials have reported a decline in commodity prices over the past few months, many consumers say they are yet to feel the relief in their day-to-day expenses, particularly in food-related costs.

Mr Cecil Ohene Antwi, a computer technician, noted that while there has been a slight reduction in the prices of certain computer software components in some retail shops, the cost of living remains high, especially when it comes to basic food items.

“In some computer shops, you may notice that the prices of software parts and accessories have dropped a bit, but when you go to the market to buy food, it’s a different story,” he said.

According to him, the prices of everyday food items such as rice, oil, vegetables, and proteins continue to put pressure on young people and low-income earners.

“Now to make money is very difficult, yet prices of food items keep increasing, making life for young people very hard. As a young person without any family respon­sibilities, I would expect GH¢50 to at least take care of my meals for the day. But currently, even that amount cannot provide me with three decent meals a day, let alone nutritious ones,” he lamented.

Mr Ernest Apedu, another concerned consumer, also shared similar sentiments. He explained that while inflation figures may suggest some easing, the reality on the ground tells a different story.

For him and many others, expenses on transportation and food continue to con­sume a significant portion of their income.

“Sometimes we hear officials say things are improving, but when you step into the market or buy from a food vendor, the prices are still up. A simple meal like beans and oil (gob3) that used to cost GH¢10 is now GH¢20 or more. It’s very frustrating,” he said.