Business News of Tuesday, 20 April 2010

Source: AB

Ghana pineapple growers hit by volcanic ash delays

Pineapple producers in the West African nation of Ghana are hurting because of the lack of flights to Europe caused by volcanic ash.

Alex Yeboah, airside operations manager of the main cargo handlers at the airport in Ghana's capital, said Tuesday that no cargo flights are taking off yet.

He said the lack of refrigeration facilities at the airport has been a big blow to pineapple and pawpaw farmers in Ghana who sell to Europe.

The ash cloud from Iceland has had drastic consequences in parts of Africa -- showing how one event can have a big impact in today's global economy.

In Kenya, thousands of day laborers are out of work because produce and flowers can't be exported amid the flight cancellations.