Traders at the Nana Bosoma Central Market in the Sunyani Municipality of the Bono Region are appealing to the government to intervene in what they describe as rising ginger prices driven by high demand from traditional medicine producers.

The sellers say herbal medicine producers are purchasing ginger in large quantities directly from farmers at the farm gate and often at higher prices, making it difficult for market traders to access supplies.

According to the traders, the situation is affecting their businesses and could lead to a shortage of ginger in the municipality if urgent steps are not taken.

Mrs. Ataa Henewaa, a ginger seller at the market, expressed concern over the development, noting that traders are struggling to secure stock.

She attributed the situation to farmers prioritising bulk buyers from the traditional medicine sector.

She called on the government to support ginger farmers in the Bono Region to expand production through incentives and commercial-scale farming.

Another trader, Madam Faustina Kyeremaa, echoed similar concerns, warning of a possible scarcity if the trend continues.

Meanwhile, tomato sellers at the same market have welcomed government plans to boost tomato production through irrigation.

President John Dramani Mahama recently announced a 60-hectare irrigation project aimed at increasing tomato output nationwide.

Traders described the initiative as a step in the right direction but urged authorities to complement it with the establishment of processing factories to address post-harvest losses.

Some also called for efforts to secure international markets for tomato farmers to enhance profitability and sustainability in the sector.