SNAIL SELLERS and consumers at the Agbobgloshie and Kaneshie markets in the Greater Accra Region have expressed concern about the continuous increase in the price of the delicacy.
Faustina Arthur, a snail seller at the Kaneshie Market, told CITY & BUSINESS GUIDE the price increase was negatively affecting both consumers and sellers. As a result, many people were shying away from snail consumption.
�Though people love snails very much for its nutritious value, they have had to shun it because of the price factor.�
She stated that four and five pieces of snails were now going for GH�5 and GH�7 respectively. Previously, the same quantity went for GH�2 and GH�3 respectively.
She explained that the increase made it difficult for an ordinary person to buy enough for their meals since all members of the family would want to have a bite. �Customers complain bitterly anytime they are served the snails. One can easily recognize the anguish on customers� faces the moment they are served, but there is nothing we can do since we also buy at a higher price,� the snail seller stated.
She disclosed that a basket of snails were now being sold at GH�150 or GH� 200 depending on the size, making it difficult to sell to make any profits.
According to her, due to the increase in the price, traders have had to reduce the quantity in other to make profit. At the Agbobgloshie Market, CITY & BUSINESS GUIDE learnt that the price of a basketful of snails was selling at between GH�180 to GH�220 respectively.
She hinted that three or four pieces of snails sold for GH�6 to GH�10, instead of between GH� 2 and GH� 4 previously.
It is estimated that snail is 15 percent protein, 2.4 percent fat and about 80 percent water. This makes snail a healthy alternative food for people with high protein and low fat diet requirements.
Besides, snail is high in health benefiting essential fatty acids.
In a related development, prices of fruits have also gone up considerably at Agbogbloshie market. A small size of pineapple is now being sold at between GH�2 and GH�3 while three of such go for between GH�9 and GH�10.
Source: Portia Anaman
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