The Yam Queen of Techiman Market in the Bono East Region, Madam Grace Opoku, has attributed the current shortage of Yam in the markets across the country to last year's lack of rains.

Speaking on the Ghana Yensom morning show, co-hosted by Otafrigya Kaayire Kwesi Appea-Apreku and Odheyeeba Kofi Essuman on Accra 100.5 FM on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, Madam Opoku explained the impact of the poor rainfall on Yam production in the country.

She noted that the scarcity has driven up prices significantly.

Recently, 1,000 pieces of Yam were sold for GHS 8,000, while last year, the same quantity sold for GHS 100,000.

Currently, 100 pieces are being sold for GHS 35,000, she revealed.

The shortage in supply, caused by inadequate rainfall, has led to these inflated prices, with a single tuber of yam now costing around GHS 95.

Madam Opoku also pointed out that Yam cultivation was not included in the government's flagship Planting for Food and Jobs programme, which has further contributed to the scarcity of this staple crop.