Some vendors of frozen foods such as meat, poultry and fish, who usually import into the country, have raised concerns about a possible threat on their business due to reduced importation caused as a result of the outbreak of COVID-19.
According to the traders, their businesses have taken a tailspin. Due to this, they are worried the situation may worsen if the pandemic persists.
The outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic has affected visibly all sectors of the economy; and importers of frozen meat, poultry and fish, have not been left out of the adverse effect of the virus spread.
The industry supplies a huge chunk of poultry with some considerable amount of fish and meat for the country’s consumption. This importation is often at the expense of local poultry farmers in particular, who have constantly complained about being pushed out of the competition by cheaper imported products.
But due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its link with restrictions and limited production globally, the volumes of imported frozen poultry, meat and fish have reduced drastically.
In an interview with some Cold Store operators in Tema, they expressed their frustration regarding the growing situation.
“Ever since the disease was reported, we have had little or no meat to sell. Everything has stalled so we want the government to intervene. We are unable to get some to sell, and we sit here all day and make no sales; meanwhile, we have children to feed at home.
“This disease has messed up our business, we do not even get some frozen meat and fish to buy and sell. Since morning I have made no sales, and the prices of everything keep going up. I am unable to go for my regular check-up because of the disease. The products are scarce; we don’t even get some to sell.
“We are getting goods to sell alright; but due to the disease, sales have reduced since our trading partners do not come regularly to make purchases. That is our problem now, but we pray we overcome this pandemic so that business can return to normal.
“Our trading activities have reduced. Moreover, some of our trading partners fear to visit us for fear of contracting the disease should they step out”.
International news agency, Reuters earlier report stated that the coronavirus pandemic has taken a huge toll on workers at U.S. meat and poultry processing facilities.
The outcome has thus affected the export of poultry and other meats from the US to countries like Ghana, one of its major export markets.
Meanwhile, local poultry industry players say they have witnessed a slight increase in the demand for their product due to the reduced importation.
