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Felix Kwakye Ofosu defends claim that macroeconomic gains are easing cost of living
Minister for Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu has insisted that recent macroeconomic gains are gradually reducing the cost of living in Ghana, urging public officials to communicate such developments with honesty and sensitivity.
According to him, government officials must avoid exaggeration and show respect to citizens whose resources they manage.
He stressed that while officials should not overstate the impact of policies, they are also duty bound to correct what he described as false narratives pushed for partisan reasons.
Speaking at the governments acountability series, Mr Kwakye Ofosu rejected claims that improvements in the macroeconomy have not reflected in the daily lives of Ghanaians.
He maintained that there is clear and indisputable evidence of a decline in the cost of living.
He explained that he experiences the same conditions as ordinary citizens, noting that he shops at the same markets and uses the same services. Based on this, he expressed confidence that prices of some goods and services have gone down.
Using fuel prices as an example, the minister pointed to a significant reduction compared to previous years. He noted that during the previous government, filling his campaign vehicle cost about 2,000 Ghana cedis, while the same vehicle now takes about 1,400 Ghana cedis, representing a saving of 600 Ghana cedis.
He argued that anyone who previously paid higher fuel prices but now pays less cannot deny that the economic improvements have had some positive impact on household expenses.
Mr Kwakye Ofosu further highlighted that fuel once sold at about 23 Ghana cedis per litre, translating into over 100 Ghana cedis per gallon. He explained that current prices are far lower, which he described as clear evidence of easing costs.
On the prices of everyday goods, the minister disclosed that many items have recorded price reductions. He referred to data presented to Parliament’s Trade Committee by the Ghana Union of Traders Association during discussions on the 2025 Budget.
According to him, GUTA submitted evidence showing price cuts on more than 4,500 different goods, following improvements in key macroeconomic indicators.
He emphasised that while challenges remain, it is inaccurate to suggest that none of the economic gains have reached the pockets of ordinary Ghanaians.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Medical Doctor and dietician, Dr Bernice Korkor Asare, has urged women to take greater responsibility for their lifestyle choices, particularly their eating habits and levels of physical activity, to help reduce their risk of developing breast cancer.
According to her, although, some breast cancer risk factors, such as family history and certain reproductive factors, may not be within an individual’s control, lifestyle choices offer an opportunity for people to take preventive action.
She made this known during a talk on the topic: “Role of diet in breast cancer prevention” organised by Times Ladies Association of the New Times Corporation, publishers of The Ghanaian Times and The Spectator, in Accra on Thursday.
The event themed “Breast Cancer Awareness- Promoting Early Detection, Healthy Eating and Prevention.” 
She noted that having a risk factor did not automatically mean a person would develop breast cancer, but could increase the likelihood of developing the disease compared with someone without that particular risk factor.
“Having close relatives who have had breast cancer, particularly a mother, sister or daughter, may increase the risk, although not everyone with a family history will develop the disease,” Dr Asare opined. Read More.
By Adizatu K. Munkaila
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A group of compassionate friends from Innovation Gospel Impact last Friday visited the management, teachers and learners of the Street Academy in Accra.
The visit was to interact to get a deeper insight into the operations of the Academy that houses hundreds of street and underprivileged children and find ways to support them.
The team was led by Rev. Dr Isaac Apenteng Yeboah, a former Director for West African Mailbox Club and Director for Prisons Support Foundation, and Rev. Dale Sutherland from Washington DC.
The call, according to the visitors was occasioned by reports about the struggles of the Academy despite the occasional support it enjoys from individuals and some corporate entities.
Briefing them, the Founder and Executive Director of the Academy, Dr Ataa Lartey, thanked them for the concern showed, indicating that “this is a major boost for both teachers and learners; knowing that their plight is known by people outside their premises.”
According Dr Lartey, the Academy had planned to undertake a number of project to enhance teaching and learning and also procure facilities for the children with keen interest in sports but had to shelve those plans for lack of finance.
He told the team that their biggest concerns were the monthly utility bills that takes a toll on their finances.
“We have a piece of land we planned to turn into an astro turf pitch to train the younger ones whose interests lies in making a career out of football, however, we have been unable to commence because there is no money now,” he said.
Dr Lartey expressed gratitude to the teachers who have dedicated their lives to training these children, rather than going for well-paying jobs and hoped that with time, their conditions of engagement would improve.
Moved by the plight of the Academy, the group donated a cash amount of Gh₵3,000 to settle its water bills.
They described as unfortunate the conditions of learners and teachers of the Academy and pledged to continuously support their operations to realize the dream to build a better future for the unfortunate children.
The group offered to support the school with its monthly utility bills, feeding and staff allowance and urged the Academy staff to remain in constant touch with them.
The Street Academy is located at the Accra Art Center and offers brilliant but needy the chance to pursue their educational dreams by enrolling them in public schools with others offered training in sports and cultural activities.
By Spectator Reporter
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