The cola nut business in Tamale is reportedly facing a severe crisis due to dwindling supplies and soaring prices, impacting both traders and consumers. <\/p>\n The once stable source of livelihood is now struggling because of rising costs, mainly due to import dependencies and the depreciation of the Ghanaian cedi.<\/p>\n According to graphic.com.gh, the price of cola nuts has surged significantly over the past year. <\/p>\n For instance, a single cola nut, previously sold for GH\u00a21, now costs GH\u00a25. <\/p>\n Subsequently, a bowl containing 100 cola nuts has increased from GH\u00a260 to GH\u00a2400 while a size 34 bucket has jumped from GH\u00a2650 to GH\u00a21,500. <\/p>\n Additionally, a full bag is now going for between GH\u00a23,000 and GH\u00a25,000, depending on the CFA exchange rate at the time of import from Ivory Coast.<\/p>\n Cola nuts hold significant cultural value in Northern Ghana. They play a central role in traditional ceremonies and social gatherings, and they are especially important in marriage ceremonies among various ethnic groups.<\/p>\n The rising costs are straining businesses in Tamale as traders are worried about losing customers and their source of income if prices continue to rise. <\/p>\n Despite the high prices, consumers are still buying cola nuts, albeit at a slower rate. The traders attribute this situation to the depreciation of the cedi.<\/p>\n According to Afa Mubarik, a trader selling cola nuts in Tamale\u2019s central market for 40 years, expressed concern about the industry’s future due to over-reliance on imports from neighbouring countries like Ivory Coast. <\/p>\n He noted that the cedi’s depreciation is also devastating for their business, as it directly affects import costs and forces them to raise prices.<\/p>\n Hajia Fatima, a customer, mentioned that while demand remains high, the price hikes are making it difficult for consumers to keep up. <\/p>\n She claimed that cola nuts are important for use in homes and traditional ceremonies, despite the struggle to afford them.<\/p>\n Traders and customers are hopeful that the government’s intervention to stabilise the currency and support local businesses will help the cola nut trade recover.<\/p>\n ID\/MA<\/p>\n Watch the latest edition of BizHeadlines below:<\/b><\/p>\n![\"File](\"https:\/\/cdn.ghanaweb.com\/imagelib\/pics\/477\/47788140.295.jpg\" "\\"File")
File photo of cola nuts at a market<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n