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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 Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has pledged to work closely with the Judiciary and the Ministry of Justice to address challenges affecting the delivery of justice in Ghana.
He made this known after receiving the Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, who paid a courtesy call on him earlier today.
The Chief Justice was accompanied by Supreme Court Judge, Justice Gabriel Pwamang, the Acting Director of the Ghana School of Law, Professor Raymond Atuguba, and the Judicial Secretary.
The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, was also present at the meeting.
Dr. Forson said the Chief Justice explained that the visit was to express appreciation for the continuous support the Ministry of Finance has given to the Judiciary.
According to him, the Chief Justice raised concerns about congestion in the courts, describing it as a major challenge that affects the speedy delivery of justice.
He said several solutions are currently being considered to help reduce the pressure on the courts.
“The Chief Justice also highlighted issues regarding the working conditions of staff within the Judiciary,” Dr. Forson stated.
He assured them of his commitment to helping resolve these problems through collaboration with the Judiciary and the Ministry of Justice.
“I am committed to working closely with the Judiciary and the Ministry of Justice to tackle these challenges,” he said.
As part of the measures being considered, Dr. Forson revealed that his ministry is examining the possibility of allowing the Judiciary to use 100 percent of its Internally Generated Funds (IGF) to meet urgent operational needs.
He said this move, if approved, would help improve the efficiency of the courts and enhance justice delivery across the country.
The meeting forms part of efforts to strengthen cooperation between the Executive and the Judiciary in addressing systemic challenges within Ghana’s justice system.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Ghana has begun talks with the family of Guinea’s first President, Sékou Touré, to take possession of the house where Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah lived and worked during his final years in exile.
The Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced that the move follows instructions from President John Dramani Mahama.
According to him, the Mahama administration plans to renovate and preserve the residence in Guinea as a mark of respect for Nkrumah and to protect his legacy.
He explained that the site is expected to become part of a broader historical and tourism experience that traces Nkrumah’s life from Ghana to Guinea.
The decision was formally communicated to the Sékou Touré family on Saturday during a visit led by Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang.
The visit took place after the investiture of Guinea’s President Mamady Doumbouya.
Mr Ablakwa noted that the Ghanaian delegation toured Nkrumah’s abandoned home and was warmly received by three generations of the Sékou Touré family, led by the former president’s eldest son.
He added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is currently negotiating the terms and conditions of the arrangement and engaging preservation experts to handle the restoration works.
The minister assured the public that the process will be handled openly, stressing that Ghanaians will be kept informed at every stage in the interest of transparency and accountability.
Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah was Ghana’s first President and a leading figure in Africa’s independence and Pan African movements.
His years in Guinea symbolised the strong political and ideological ties between the two countries.
By: Jacob Aggrey
