Traders at the Adjen Kotoku Onion Market in Accra are counting heavy losses after fifteen truckloads of onions, worth an estimated GH¢3.1 million, went to waste. The destruction comes after weeks of transportation delays, poor road conditions, and insufficient storage facilities.
The imported onions, mostly sourced from Kano in Nigeria, began spoiling during their long journey due to heat, poor ventilation, and extended travel times. Heavy rains upon arrival further accelerated the decay, leaving heaps of rotting onions scattered across the market, filling the area with a strong, unpleasant odor.
Market visits revealed traders standing helplessly beside piles of damaged produce, visibly distressed by the losses. Locally grown onions were also affected, as farmers in Ghana tend to cultivate varieties unsuitable for long-term storage, and the onset of the rainy season compounded spoilage.
The reliance on onions from Kano arose because supplies from other regions such as Sokoto, Niger, and Burkina Faso were insufficient. The long journey from Kano to Ghana can take 8 to 10 days, sometimes stretching to 12 if trucks break down. Even minor delays proved disastrous for the onions.
Traders highlighted additional challenges caused by the market’s relocation from Agbogbloshie to Adjen Kotoku. Poor access roads have discouraged buyers, unlike the previous location where even slightly damaged onions could be purchased for processing.
Concerns over cultivation methods also contributed to the losses. Overuse of fertilizers resulted in larger onions that are less durable, shortening shelf life. Traders stressed that focusing on quality rather than quantity is crucial, noting that onions imported from countries like Egypt, Morocco, and China survive long trips without spoiling.
The financial impact has been severe. One trader reported losing an entire truckload of Nigerian onions, amounting to 420 bags, with expected revenue wiped out by spoilage. With no insurance or government support, traders face high risks, as transport breakdowns or rain can destroy shipments before they reach the market.
Calls have been made for government intervention, including training for farmers on better cultivation techniques and investment in proper storage infrastructure, to prevent such large-scale losses in the future.
