Traders in Koforidua have appealed to the new government to refrain from increasing fuel prices and utility bills, citing concerns over their potential impact on food commodity prices and the cost of living.
They emphasized that rising energy costs often lead to higher transportation expenses, which ripple through to food processing, packaging, and distribution, ultimately increasing retail food prices.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), traders discussed their concerns while reflecting on the recent nominations of Ministers-Designate for key portfolios, including Finance, Energy, and Justice.
President John Dramani Mahama has nominated Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson as Minister-Designate for Finance, Mr. John Jinapor as Minister-Designate for Energy, and Dr. Dominic Ayine as Attorney General and Minister-Designate for Justice. These nominees have completed parliamentary vetting and await approval.
Mr. Francis Ayensu, National Democratic Congress (NDC) Elections Director for New Juaben South, praised the selections, noting the experience and dedication of the nominees. He highlighted Dr. Forson’s tenure as Deputy Finance Minister, expressing confidence in his ability to strengthen Ghana’s financial standing.
Similarly, Mr. Jinapor and Dr. Ayine, both former Deputy Ministers, were commended for their competence in addressing energy and justice sector challenges.
Mr. Emmanuel Odoom, an industry expert in the justice sector, urged collective decision-making among Ministers to ensure effective governance. “It’s important for them to think collectively and share ideas to make informed decisions,” he advised.
The traders’ appeal underscores their hopes for prudent policy measures to stabilize prices and improve livelihoods.