The closure of the Benin border in the aftermath of Niger’s coup is expected to raise onion prices in the country’s numerous markets.
Onion traders who have been trapped at the Benin border for a lengthy period of time have petitioned President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for his involvement in releasing around 70 trucks transporting onions from Niger to Ghana via Benin.
Because of the border restriction caused by the Niger coup, these trucks and their drivers have been stuck at the border for several weeks.
Concerned, the group of onion dealers in charge of over 70 truckloads stressed that without prompt action from the President, there is a substantial risk of the onions rotting, potentially leading to a jump in onion prices.
Due to the political squabble in Niger, vegetable prices have skyrocketed, with sacks of vegetables costing between GH1,500 and GH1,600. If the situation is not resolved quickly, industry players fear that prices may rise to GH3000-GH4000.
In an interview on Eyewitness News, the spokesperson for the onion sellers, Yakubu Apendiba explained, “Monday night, they opened about 35 trucks of onions. They have also parked about 45 trucks at the Burkina Faso border. The Ghana Ambassador in Benin visited the truck drivers on Saturday, Monday night they moved to the Burkina Faso border, and some were able to pass through the Benin border.
“But some are still stuck at the Burkina Faso border. Now if you come to the onion market today, it’s not easy, onions which used to be sold at GH¢1,000 to GH¢1,100 are now being sold at GH¢1,500. There’s a lack of onions at other places as well. So we are pleading with the government to help us talk to Burkina Faso’s President so that the trucks will be escorted to Ghana.”
On July 27, soldiers in Niger, West Africa, announced a coup on national television.
They claimed to have dissolved the constitution, suspended all institutions, and shut down the country’s borders.
Niger President Mohamed Bazoum was detained by presidential guard personnel.
In a phone chat, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken pledged him “unwavering support” from Washington.
On August 7, the coup leaders shut down the country’s airspace until further notice, claiming the possibility of military intervention from its neighbors.
ECOWAS, the West African group of countries, has previously threatened to use force if President Mohamed Bazoum was not reinstated by Sunday at 23:00 GMT.
According to a junta spokesman, Niger’s armed forces are ready to defend the country.
