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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
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) today commenced its second Zonal Public Hearing in Kumasi Ashanti Region to examine the 2024 Auditor-General’s Report on public schools and District Assemblies yesterday, April 20, 2026.
In her opening remarks, the Chairperson of the Committee, Abena Osei Asare noted that the Committee will consider four (4) Auditor – General’s reports, namely, District Assembly Common Fund (DACF) & Other Statutory Funds, The Accounts of District Assemblies for the Financial Year (IGF), Pre-University Education Institutions and lastly Colleges of Education in the year ending 31st December 2024.
She assured the various District Assemblies and other institutions invited to respond to infractions cited in the Auditor-General’s report that the Committee would be transparent in asking questions as well as granting opportunities to all to explain issues to the Committee.
Abena Osei Asare, allowed the Ranking Member of the Committee, Samuel Atta Mills to chair the sitting with the explanation that her government was in power then, therefore she could not chair over Auditor-General reports of 2024.
The Ghana Audit Service has issued a correction to its Auditor General’s report on the nationwide payroll audit, clarifying that a GH¢427,995,661.40 figure wrongly attributed to a public servant was due to a transpositional error.
In a press release dated April 21, 2026, the Service explained that the amount earlier linked to Frank Oliver Kpodo does not belong to him.
It stated that the figure rather relates to unaccounted staff under the Ministry of Education during the payroll audit covering the period from January 1, 2023 to June 30, 2025.
The Service expressed concern over media reports that cited Mr Kpodo as having received the amount as unearned salary, stressing that the attribution was an error.
It offered an unreserved apology to Mr Kpodo for the distress and public scrutiny the mistake may have caused.
The Service also apologised to the Government, the people of Ghana, and the Controller and Accountant General’s Department for the error.
According to the corrected report, the GH¢427.9 million is linked to 3,476 unaccounted staff under the Ministry of Education, making it the highest figure recorded in the audit.
The nationwide payroll audit covered 6,270 records across several public institutions, with a total salary value of GH¢801,808,427.04.
Other institutions captured in the report include the Judicial Service of Ghana, the Electoral Commission of Ghana, and the Ministry of Health, among others.
The Audit Service noted that the corrected summary has been provided to ensure accuracy and maintain public trust in its work.
It reaffirmed its commitment to accountability and transparency in the management of public funds.
By: Jacob Aggrey
