Prices of‘bofrot’ & fried yam up, sizes reduce as cooking oil prices go up

The price of puff loaves popularly called ‘bofrot’ and fried yam up which are the favourate afternoon meals and snacks eaten by Ghanaians has gone up due to the hikes in prices of cooking oils. As if that is not enough, the cost of flour, a major ingredient used in making bofrot has also gone just as the LPG gas used for frying.

The upward trajectory of the prices of these essential commodities means all foods that are cooked with oils, LPG gas, and flour have become expensive and sellers have further reduced their sizes just to break even and be in business.

Any visit to the production hub or the woman who fries Yam or Bofrot turns the conversation into discussions about the ailing economy and how prices of basic foodstuff and items have gone up, making life unbearable for the ordinary Ghanaian.

‘Bofrot’ is the end product of flour, sugar, and other ingredients which are kneaded together and fried in hot oil under high temperature.

The delicious treat is frequently consumed in the morning with a beverage, although other people like to eat it as a snack in the afternoon.

The economy of Anwia Nkwanta is based mostly on the business sector. At the bustling intersection, travellers pause to sample the brown balls.

Vegetable oil is now retailing for GHC1,000.00 per gallon, up from a little under GHC600.00 in only the last few days.

Food costs have increased dramatically, with inflation in September averaging roughly 37.2%. The popular stop at Anwia Nkwanta has been without its signature activity, “bofrot” peddling, for almost a week.

At the time of our visit, the local stoves that serve as the manufacturing units were empty.

The dealers claim that the increase in cooking oil prices drove them out of the industry.

“This company was around before we were even born. The component for “bofrot” costs less than 1000 cedis, and the oil is presently offered for 1000 cedis. So, Ama Adu, one of the dealers, said, “We realised we had to stop manufacturing ‘bofrot’ so we can find answers.

The dealers have decided to raise prices from GHC3.00 to GHC5.00 as a result. The least expensive balls are selling for GHC3.00.

They don’t know whether the company will survive.

The yam frying industry, which is a popular alternative in this area, is also experiencing a downturn.

The price for three pieces would rise to five cedis according to the dealers.

Although yam prices have remained consistent, vegetable oil prices have not, according to Theresa Addai, the leader of the yam vendors.

“Unlike the price of oil, yam prices remain steady. As a result, we’ve decided to offer 3 yam pieces for 5 cedis, she remarked.

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How the market will react to the increase is unknown. The Anwia Nkwanta “bofrot” might perhaps go extinct if the cedi devaluation, which is thought to be the root of price increases, is not stopped.