The Western North Regional Minister, Wilbert Petty Brentum, has called on traders and service providers across the region to reduce their prices in response to recent positive economic developments.
The Minister acknowledged the growing public concern over the rising cost of food items, goods, and services, describing it as a serious issue affecting livelihoods in the region.
“As Regional Minister for Western North, I have taken note of the growing concerns from our people regarding the rising cost of food items, goods, and services across the region,” he stated.
He respectfully appealed to all traders and service providers to consider adjusting their prices downwards, citing improvements in key economic indicators over the past few months.
“I wish to respectfully appeal to all traders and service providers to consider reducing their prices in light of the positive strides our economy has made in recent months,” Petty Brentum said.
He pointed to several indicators of recovery, including the recent fall in fuel prices, the reduced cost of farming inputs, and improvements in the macroeconomic environment.
“We have all witnessed a notable decline in fuel prices, a reduction in the cost of farming inputs, a steady drop in the inflation rate, a decrease in the Bank of Ghana’s prime rate, and the strengthening of the Ghanaian Cedi against major foreign currencies,” he elaborated.
Wilbert Petty Brentum emphasized that these trends should be reflected in more affordable prices for consumers in the Western North Region.
“These are significant indicators of economic recovery, and I strongly believe they should translate into more affordable prices for our people,” he explained.
While acknowledging the need for businesses to remain profitable, the Minister urged traders not to take advantage of consumers by maintaining high prices.
“I fully understand the need for businesses to make profit—indeed, that is the essence of enterprise,” he said, “However, I urge all traders to resist the temptation to pursue excessive profit margins at the expense of hardworking consumers.”
He called on business owners to align their pricing strategies with the improving economic climate to support broader efforts to ease the financial pressure on citizens.
“Let us reflect these economic gains in our pricing, and support government’s efforts to ease the burden on our citizens and improve the standard of living for all,” he pleaded.
The Minister concluded by encouraging unity and shared responsibility, expressing confidence that a collaborative approach would lead to a more equitable and prosperous region.
“Together, we can build a fairer and more prosperous Western North Region,” he affirmed.
