Reduction in food prices will follow transport fare reductions this weekend — Shamima Muslim

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson, Shamima Muslim, has assured Ghanaians that food prices on the market are likely to drop soon.

This follows the announcement by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) of a 15% reduction in transport fares, effective Saturday, May 24, due to recent declines in fuel prices.

According to Shamima Muslim, the fare reduction is expected to impact food prices since traders often factor transportation costs into their pricing.

Speaking on Accra-based TV3’s New Day show on Thursday, May 22, the Presidential spokesperson said the government is making efforts to build economic resilience to withstand external shocks.

“Fuel prices have come down, and this weekend, GPRTU has announced a 15% reduction in transport fares, which is going to come into effect. So from this weekend, we should expect that the foods coming to the market would have reduced cost because usually, traders will tell you that the prices of goods and services are informed by transportation,” she said.

She further appealed to traders to support this development by adjusting their prices downward to reflect the reduced cost of doing business.

“So again, to the traders — we all engage the economy in different ways. Whether you’re selling today, you will also go and buy a service. So it is up to you to show a certain commitment to this new breath of fresh air we are all experiencing, by also doing your part in reducing your prices so Ghanaians can feel the ease,” she stated.

On the government’s performance, Shamima added, “I think we haven’t done shabby at all as a government. Of course, we must do more of what is working and build internal resilience so that when the external shocks come — as they would — we will not be found wanting or too badly derailed.”