Food Prices Shoot Up In Bawku Area

PRICES of most food items in the Bawku municipality have shot up as a result of the ethnic violence which erupted last Sunday, leading to the imposition of a-22 hour curfew.

The curfew has now been relaxed and is from 3 p.m. to 7 a.m.

A source told the Times at Bawku that a bowl of local rice which sold for GH¢1.08 before the conflict, now sells at GH¢2.50 while a quantity of corn-dough which was sold for 10 Ghana pesewas has now been priced at 50Ghana pesewas.

However, the price of sugar, milk, soap and other items remain the same.

The source said food prices had increased because Burkinabe traders no more brought foodstuff for fear for their lives.

It also said that the Bawku hospital and its immediate environs were experiencing water shortage as a result of a pipe burst on Monday.

The source says there is great suspicion among the people, stressing that both the Mamprusis and the Kusasis do not dare to enter each other’s territory.

'As one moves around the town, one can see both Mamprusis and the Kusasis confined to their ‘stronghold,' the source added.

It pointed out that even though the pain from the loss of lives and property would take time to heal, the heavy military and police presence in the area is capable of preventing another outbreak of hostilities.