Editorial
Create harmonised pricing structure across nation
Dear Editor,
Observing the current state of our nation, I cannot help but be deeply concerned about the evident instability in the prices of goods and commodities. Right off the bat, it is apparent that the cost of living, especially when it comes to essential items, varies significantly from one region to another.
The disparities in the prices of food items across Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi, Koforidua, and other places are like a cat on a hot tin roof — a matter of heated discussion within our communities. Sadly, despite the prevalent discourse, there seems to be a lack of effective action to address this issue.
Notably, when considering housing expenses, the rental costs for a single accommodation, which might be priced at GhȻ250 in Kumasi or Koforidua, do not align with the rates in Accra. It is disheartening that the preferred alternative is often an exorbitant GhȻ400, which does not serve the best interests of the populace.
Similarly, the discrepancy in the pricing of household gadgets is striking. A home appliance that could be purchased for GhȻ600 in Kumasi, Koforidua, or other places, commands a different, likely higher, price tag in Accra.
I earnestly hope that the authorities take swift action to implement measures that will bring about stability in market prices. A harmonised pricing structure across the nation would not only alleviate the burden on citizens but also contribute to a more equitable and prosperous Ghana.
It is my sincere wish that steps are taken towards creating a uniform pricing system, ensuring that the cost of an item in Accra is consistent throughout the entire country.
Joshua Mantey
Obuasi
Dear Editor,
I wish to use this esteemed platform to urge the traditional councils of Osu and La to call for independent investigation into the recent demolition exercise at Kaajaano.
The exercise rendered hundreds homeless.
Information about the reason for the demolition has been scanty with those desiring to know feeding heavily on social media posts.
One particular name –Jato, has been associated with it but under whose instruction the exercise was carried is also not known.
Sadly, instead of getting to know who ordered the demolition and for what reasons, traditional authorities of Osu and La have been embroiled in a tug-of-war over ownership of the said land.
This is premature. At this moment, they should call for investigation into the exercise to know the people behind it.
When that is done, then discussions about the owners of the site can begin. That would end the posture of the two neighbouring town which has the potential to turn into something else.
Ataa Osa Mensah,
Osu
Dear Editor,
I wish to use your respected platform to draw the attention of the Bank of Ghana (BoG) to the behaviour of traders and some drivers about the use of lower denomination coins, specifically the 20 and 10 pesewas.
About two weeks ago, I read in your sister newspaper, The Ghanaian Times about this problem and the caution that followed from the BoG and some economic analysts.
The warning they gave was that the continuous rejection of the notes could create pricing problems which can eventually affect inflation.
I thought that would put to bed that practice or refusal to accept the coins when given out as change or use to pay for particular service.
Unfortunately, the problem still persist among traders, drivers, customers and passengers alike. Only last week, there was as altercation in the Accra Central area where a woman refused to accept five 20 pesewas note totaling one cedi.
As the argument continued, the trader decided not to sell to the customer again after by-standers explained to her that it was still a legal tender and those that refused it could become offenders.
This is an issue the BoG and other regulatory agencies must go and explain to the people and let them know that it is unlawful not to accept a currency that is still in use.
It nothing was done, it could create a much more serious problems.
Mary Osei Badu,
Swedru
