A communications team member of the governing National Democratic Congress, Augustine Mmi-Oni Guure, has reiterated the government’s call for patience from Ghanaians, particularly transport operators, as it monitors factors driving recent fuel price increases.
Speaking on A1 Radio’s Daybreak Upper East show, Mr. Guure defended the government’s approach, saying authorities are closely tracking the causes of the price hikes and urging the public to assess ongoing interventions against earlier commitments to improve economic conditions.
He acknowledged concerns raised by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union over fuel taxes, describing them as valid, but said the situation requires careful consideration rather than immediate policy changes. He noted that government is working to understand the global and regional factors influencing fuel prices.
“We are not saying that the concerns being raised are not important for government to consider. We are monitoring the reasons for these price hikes. Ghanaians should exercise patience and assess what we promised to deliver, and whether those things are being achieved. Unfortunately, these developments have a direct impact on African markets,” he said.
Mr. Guure added that the factors driving current fuel price increases differ from those during the Russia-Ukraine War, noting that government has managed the situation more effectively.
“The factors leading to fuel price increases today are not the same as those during the Russia-Ukraine war under the previous administration. We managed it better,” he said.
The communicator pointed to what he described as improvements in the cost of living compared to previous years, saying basic food items have become relatively more affordable and inflationary pressures have eased. He added that households are no longer forced to make difficult choices between essential needs such as food and fuel.
He also cited improvements in currency stability, stating that the Ghanaian cedi is performing better than in the past, when it experienced significant depreciation against major foreign currencies. According to him, this stability has provided greater predictability for traders and businesses.
Touching on past economic conditions, Mr. Guure contrasted the current situation with what he described as a period marked by high inflation, currency instability, and widespread dissatisfaction among traders and importers.
He noted that global developments, including ongoing international tensions, continue to influence fuel prices, but maintained that the current circumstances differ from previous crises and are being managed more effectively.
“You cannot talk about two different international conflicts happening under our watch, yet we are still managing fuel commodities better than before. That is a sign,” he said, rejecting claims of mismanagement.
Mr. Guure added that the current administration is operating with greater transparency and responsiveness, stressing that government is listening to the concerns of citizens.
A1 Radio | 101.1 MHz | Gifty Eyram Kudiabor | Bolgatanga
