Akuapem-Nsutam, Okere District, Eastern Region – Producers and traders of cassava dough, popularly known as agbelima, in Akuapem-Nsutam are raising alarm over dwindling sales that are threatening their businesses and household incomes.
An on-the-ground visit by Oyerepa TV/FM Correspondent George Botha revealed a community producing agbelima in large quantities, yet struggling to find ready buyers.
According to the traders, the low patronage has forced many of them to sell their stock on credit to buyers, while production costs continue to rise. Expenses include hiring labourers for peeling, grating, dewatering, and packaging — a process that is both labour-intensive and expensive.
“We are producing massively, but the market is not moving. Most of us now give out the dough on credit just to keep trading, but getting our money back is another struggle,” one trader told Oyerepa TV/FM.
The producers say the situation is pushing many households into debt and discouraging young people from staying in the trade. They are therefore appealing to government, NGOs, and private investors for urgent support.
Their key requests include the establishment of a processing factory to add value to cassava, and a dedicated storage facility to reduce post-harvest losses and help them manage supply during low-demand periods.
For many in Akuapem-Nsutam, agbelima is not just food — it’s a livelihood. Without intervention, traders fear the trade could collapse, taking jobs and income with it.
Story By: George Botha
