While traders in Yaounde and Baffoussam have seen their products, mostly rice, confiscated by the Ministry of Commerce, those in the city of Bertoua have instead been encouraged.
That is because while some traders Yaounde and Baffousam are said to be manipulating prices to exploit consumers, the traders in Bertoua are respecting the new price for products stipulated by the Ministry.
Following a recent price control operation carried out by the East Regional Delegation of Commerce in Bertoua, we were saluted for a job well done.
The ministry said Bertoua has demonstrated good, exemplary behaviour that should be emulated by all.
“Since the announcement of the significant drop in rice prices to the final consumer by the Minister of Commerce, Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana, a positive dynamic is taking place in the markets of Bertoua and localities in the Eastern Region,” the Ministry said.
Under the leadership of the Regional Delegate Leopold Essola Ava, teams from the Eastern Regional Trade Delegation have been carrying out targeted raids on the markets in recent days to ensure the strict application of agreed prices. The team was instead surprised that such good market behaviour was taking place.
Unlike in Yaounde and Baffousam, where 500 and 300 bags of rice were seized, the price control mission in Bertoua was instead seen taking selfie pictures with sellers in their shops.
“The results obtained to date reflect an encouraging observation: operators in the Eastern region scrupulously respect the agreed prices for rice and refined oils. This exemplary commitment of the region’s traders is welcomed by the regional delegate,” Leopold Essola Ava, East Regional Delegate of Commerce said while insisting on the need to maintain this constant vigilance.
The Minister of Commerce, Luc Magloir Mbarga Atangana, recently signed a deal with India that saw over 90,000 metric tons of rice imported to Cameroon.
The ministry also, in agreement with traders, stipulated a new price, making rice cheap for consumers. However, some sellers have refused to respect the drop in rice prices, thereby selling at an expensive price. That is why there are regular price control teams going on.
