Consumers and stakeholders in Ghana’s agricultural sector are urging private tractor operators to revise their pricing structures in response to recent economic improvements, including a decline in fuel prices and the appreciation of the Ghanaian cedi against the US dollar.
Currently, tractor services are priced at ¢500 per acre — a rate that many farmers and landowners argue is no longer sustainable given the improved economic climate. With fuel costs falling and the cedi gaining strength, stakeholders believe tractor operators can afford to reduce their rates without compromising the quality of service.
A proposed reduction to between ¢400 and ¢450 per acre has been suggested as a fairer and more realistic reflection of current conditions. Advocates for the change argue that such an adjustment would ease the financial burden on farmers, enhance productivity, and support sustainable agricultural practices.
Farmers have raised concerns that the existing costs are placing undue pressure on their operations. A price reduction, they believe, would go a long way in alleviating these challenges and improving their ability to cultivate larger tracts of land.
The call for a pricing review is led by Degenu Ahodie Elikem, Chief Executive Director of Cassava Chain Value (CCV). He emphasized that passing on the benefits of economic improvements to consumers is both fair and necessary for long-term sustainability.
“A reduction in tractor service prices would not only bring relief to farmers but also strengthen the agricultural value chain,” Elikem noted.
Stakeholders are calling for open dialogue and negotiation to reach a mutually beneficial agreement. They believe that a positive response from tractor operators will demonstrate a commitment to fairness and shared growth in the sector.
The push for price adjustments serves as a timely reminder of the need for inclusive and responsive business practices that align with changing economic realities. Stakeholders remain hopeful that tractor operators will heed the call and work collaboratively toward a solution that benefits all parties involved.
