By:
Miriam Abeley Andah
Most coconut sellers
in Ghana especially in Accra central are not agitated about the current cedi
instability since it has had no effect on fruit purchase.
Years ago, coconut was
sold for peanuts but has then been raised to the sale of gold. It is mostly in
abundance in the villages and has to be conveyed to Accra for sale. This has
incurred a lot of cost on the price of coconut, however, has not reduced the patronage
but rather increased due the public awareness of its health benefits in recent
times.
An interview with some
coconut sellers in central Accra second to the fact that much profit is
obtained from this business even though prices differ based on location. They
also said the type of coconut, thus, Agric or local is independent of its
price. Back in the years, coconut was wholesaled at 20-50pesewa and sold for
40-80 pesewa they said. Now, it is wholesaled from the villages at 3 for
GH₵1.00 and sold between GH₵1.00-2.00 depending on its size for one.
Randy, a coconut
seller outside the Accra Circuit court and a year old in the business said, he
buys 150 balls of coconut at GH₵225.00 and makes a profit of GH₵70.00-80.00 in
a day. He further on went to say that, transportation from Bourguasi to Accra
is GH₵200.00-300.00 for conveying 800-1000 coconut.
However, transportation
fare is added to the price of coconut for sellers.
He further narrated
that, the challenges faced in the business is dependent on seasons, thus, rainy
and Ramadan seasons. Nevertheless, prices don’t change base on this and an
increase in coconut price does not affect patronage. He also said that it is
quite tedious due to long hours standing, pulling tracks to destined location
and arrangement of coconut on track.
Determining the
quantity of juice in coconut is done by hitting beneath to feel the vibration
of sound.
Needless to say, some
sellers are not knowledgeable on the health benefits so they cannot educate
customers for more consumption.
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