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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 Keta Municipal Health Directorate in the Volta Region has reported a surge in mumps cases, sparking concerns among residents in the area.
The disease, caused by a viral infection, has spread rapidly in the Municipality, with about 50 persons reportedly affected in the Keta township.
Madam Tsoeke Dzorgbenyui Seanefu, a nurse at the Keta Municipal Health Directorate, disclosed that mumps is a highly contagious disease that affects the salivary glands and presents symptoms such as facial swelling, fever, and headache. She linked the outbreak to poor hygiene and overcrowding.
“The causes of mumps include the mumps virus, which spreads through respiratory droplets, contact with infected saliva, and contaminated surfaces,” she said.
She explained that symptoms include swelling of the parotid glands, fever, headache, muscle aches, and loss of appetite. In some cases, complications such as meningitis or orchitis may occur.
Madam Seanefu emphasised that mumps spreads through direct contact with an infected person’s saliva or respiratory droplets, sharing food, drinks, or utensils, and touching contaminated surfaces.
“Those at highest risk of contracting mumps include unvaccinated children and adults, people living in crowded areas, and individuals with weakened immune systems. The effects of mumps can be severe, including meningitis (inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord), orchitis (inflammation of the testicles), and oophoritis (inflammation of the ovaries),” she added.
To prevent or curb mumps, she advised residents to visit hospitals or the nearest health centre for vaccination (MMR vaccine), practice good hygiene by washing hands regularly under running water, avoid sharing food, drinks, or utensils, and stay away from infected individuals.
She urged residents to prioritise hygiene and seek medical attention early if symptoms persist.
She noted that mumps cases are treatable with rest, hydration, and pain management, but medical attention is crucial to prevent complications.
The Keta Municipal Health Directorate is closely monitoring the situation and working to contain the outbreak through public education on mumps, its treatment, and vaccination services for affected individuals. – GNA
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Ms Linda Adjapong, the Tema Metro Pest and Disease Control Officer, has cautioned the public against the belief that bathing with sea water can cure Mpox, describing the claim as false and dangerous.
Ms Adjapong stressed that the practice had no scientific basis and might expose people to additional health risks.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), she explained that Mpox was a viral disease that spreads mainly through close physical contact with an infected person, contaminated materials, or infected animals, noting that there was no evidence that sea water could kill the virus or prevent infection.
She said a community assessment revealed that some members of the public have recently been seen bathing in the sea with the hope of curing suspected symptoms, adding that the trend was driven by misinformation and fear rather than medical advice.
Ms Adjapong warned that relying on such methods could delay proper diagnosis and treatment, leading to further spread of the disease, explaining that Mpox required appropriate medical attention and public health measures.
Some public health measures included early reporting of symptoms, isolation of suspected cases, and adherence to guidance from health professionals, emphasising that treatment focused on managing symptoms and preventing complications and not on unproven traditional practices.
She also cautioned that bathing with sea water could expose individuals to other infections, urging Ghanaians to rely on information from the Ghana Health Service and other credible health authorities, to prevent exacerbating situations and putting communities at risk.
The Pest and Disease Control Officer appealed to Ghanaians to adopt hygiene practices such as frequent hand washing with soap and water, avoiding close contact with people with strange rashes or flu-like symptoms, and not sharing personal items such as towels or bedding.
She encouraged people who suspected they might have been exposed to Mpox to report to the nearest health facility promptly for care. –GNA
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