Chairman Odeneho Kwaku Appiah, popularly known as COKA and a prominent figure within the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), has voiced strong concerns over the continuous rise in food prices, despite recent appreciable gains made by the Ghanaian cedi against the US dollar.
In a Facebook post on Monday, COKA called on President John Dramani Mahama to step in and hold urgent engagements with importers to help stabilise and reduce the cost of essential goods on the market.
He questioned why the strengthening of the local currency has not led to corresponding reductions in the prices of food and other basic commodities.
“We are still waiting to see a dollar-to-cedi exchange rate like we witnessed during President Kufuor’s era,” COKA stated, expressing disappointment that the average Ghanaian is yet to feel any relief from the improved exchange rate.
He described the situation as unacceptable and urged the President to act swiftly to address the economic pressures confronting ordinary citizens.
“Ghanaians are going through tough times, and it’s disheartening to see the prices of food keep rising even when the cedi is gaining strength. This is not the change people voted for,” he added.
COKA’s remarks reflect growing frustrations among the populace, many of whom are struggling to afford daily necessities amidst a cost-of-living crisis.
He further emphasised the need for pragmatic measures to ensure that macroeconomic gains are felt directly by consumers across the country.
By; Nana Yaw Owusu