Ghanaians are being told to prepare for higher prices on basic goods from September, as local business leaders warn that soaring operational costs can no longer be absorbed by traders.
The Traders Advocacy Group Ghana says market prices must rise after the Ministry of Transport failed to enforce a High Court ruling over container charges.
The group claims shipping lines continue to apply unapproved rates above the capped 720 cedi threshold, creating an intolerable burden for importers.
Speaking to reporters, the president of the group, Kwadwo Amoateng, urged the transport minister to work alongside state bodies like the Ghana Shippers’ Authority to bring operators into line and enforce the judicial recommendations.
“We cannot continue playing Father Christmas to absorb these high operational costs while government and revenue agencies continue to surcharge imports with atrocious and ridiculous increments,” Mr Amoateng said.
He warned that ordinary households would bear the brunt of the impasse unless immediate steps were taken to stabilize port tariffs.
“If nothing changes, the public will see direct increases on everyday commodities at the market. People should not blame the traders when these prices go up, but rather ask why official agreements are not being respected,” he added.
Mr Amoateng appealed directly to President John Dramani Mahama to intervene in the standoff and shield consumers from a further spike in the cost of living.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana