Concerns are mounting among Ghanaians over the continuous rise in the prices of goods and services despite the recent appreciation of the Ghana cedi against the US dollar.
The cedi, which suffered severe depreciation in 2022, has shown signs of recovery and stability, trading at about GH¢10.50 to one US dollar as of January 2026.
This development was expected to bring relief to consumers through reduced prices. However, the opposite appears to be the case, as the cost of living continues to rise.
Speaking on the Thursday edition of the Fox FM Morning Show, a former New Patriotic Party (NPP) Chairman for Afigya Kwabre South, Odeneho Kwaku Appiah, popularly known as Chairman COKA, described the situation as unacceptable and suspicious.
According to Chairman COKA, the continuous escalation of prices under a stabilised cedi raises serious questions that must be answered by government and economic experts.
“This development is unacceptable. Something fishy might be going on, and the economic gurus must explain to Ghanaians why prices of goods and services keep increasing when the cedi is appreciating and inflation is said to be low,” he stated.
Drawing comparisons to previous years, Chairman COKA expressed disappointment at how basic commodities remain overpriced.
“How can someone buy a coconut for GH¢15 today when it was GH¢5 in 2024, at a time when the cedi was as high as GH¢14 to one dollar?” he questioned.
Although he acknowledged that the dollar has depreciated significantly, Chairman COKA insisted that the expected benefits have not reflected in the lives of ordinary citizens, especially since the assumption of office by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government.
“Everything is going up. Even refuse collectors have increased their charges. Drivers are refusing to reduce transport fares. Food vendors, nightclubs, all are charging higher prices. Something is not clear, and we cannot keep quiet,” he stressed.
Chairman COKA maintained that economic stability should translate into real relief for the average Ghanaian.
“The appreciation of the cedi must reflect in the pockets of the ordinary Ghanaian,” he added.
He therefore called on the government and economic experts to urgently explain the situation to Ghanaians, noting that many citizens continue to suffer despite what is being described as a stabilised economy.
By: Nana Yaw Owusu (0240782639)
