“It is good to hear dollar is coming down” – NPP’s Sanusi Issah

A member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) communication team in the Upper East Region, Alhaji Issah Sanusi, has shared his thoughts on the recent changes in Ghana’s economy. While he praised the reduction in the dollar rate and the planned 15% cut in transport fares, he also raised concerns about the stubbornly high prices of goods and services in the market.

Speaking during an interview on A1 Radio, Alhaji Issah said that although the Ghanaian cedi is beginning to show strength against the US dollar, many Ghanaians are yet to feel the benefits in their daily lives. He called on both the government and business people to make sure that the economic improvements are passed down to the ordinary citizen.

“Dollar Is Coming Down, But Prices Are Still Up”

Alhaji Issah began by welcoming the recent drop in the value of the dollar compared to the cedi. Over the past few weeks, the local currency has seen some improvement, giving Ghanaians hope that the economy may finally be recovering after months of hardship.

“It is good to hear that the dollar is coming down, but it is very bad to also hear that prices are still up,” he lamented.

According to him, in a country where most commodities are imported and priced based on the dollar exchange rate, one would expect that a stronger cedi would lead to lower prices in the markets. But that has not been the case.

“People are still buying foodstuffs, clothes, and other items at the same high prices, or in some cases, even higher than before. So the ordinary Ghanaian is not yet seeing the benefits of the improved exchange rate,” he said.

Politics Aside—Economic Relief Helps Everyone

Alhaji Issah was clear that issues of the economy go beyond politics. Whether you support NPP, NDC, or any other party, you feel the real effects of inflation, high transport fares, and expensive food prices.

He explained that when fuel prices go up or the cedi falls against the dollar, everyone feels it, including members of the ruling party.

“When there is an increment in this country, it affects everybody, irrespective of where you are coming from—whether you are from party A or party B. What is important is that if it is an increment, it negatively affects even the ruling government,” he pointed out.

That is why he believes any positive economic news—such as lower transport fares or a stronger cedi—should be embraced by all Ghanaians. According to him, it is in everyone’s interest that the economy improves and the cost of living reduces.

“Any reduction or anything positive in this country benefits the Ghanaian people. We welcome it,” he added.

15% Transport Fare Reduction Is a Good Move

Alhaji Issah praised the 15% reduction in transport fares proposed by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), which is supposed to take effect due to the recent drop in fuel prices. He said this would bring immediate relief to workers, students, market women, and the general public.

Transport fares are a major daily expense for many families, especially those who rely on public transport to go to work, school, or sell in the market. According to Alhaji Issah, reducing these fares is one of the most practical ways of easing the burden on Ghanaians.

“This is a good decision. People have been complaining that things are hard, so this reduction, if implemented properly, will go a long way to help,” he said.

He also encouraged transport operators and unions to honour the directive and not delay the fare reduction. He warned that some drivers may refuse to reduce fares, claiming other costs are still high, but said it would be unfair to passengers if the relief does not reach them.

Call for Sustainable Economic Policies

While praising the progress made so far, Alhaji Issah also used the opportunity to urge the government to put measures in place that will ensure long-term stability in the economy.

According to him, Ghana needs more than just short-term good news. The country needs strong policies that will make sure that the economy remains strong for years to come.

“What we need now is sustainability. Yes, the cedi is gaining, but how long will it last? If we don’t put strong systems in place, the gains we are seeing now will not last. The government must work hard to protect these gains,” he said.

He called on stakeholders—especially in the banking, trade, and import sectors—to work with the government to regulate pricing and support local production so that Ghana does not always depend on imported goods.

Private Sector Should Reflect Economic Changes

Alhaji Issah did not leave out the private sector. He said that traders, shop owners, and service providers must be fair to consumers.

“When the dollar was rising, you increased your prices. Now that the dollar is falling, are you also reducing them?” he asked.

He urged businesses to be honest and patriotic, reminding them that their profits come from the pockets of ordinary Ghanaians, many of whom are struggling just to survive.

Message to Ghanaians: Stay Hopeful, But Demand Accountability

Alhaji Issah concluded by urging Ghanaians to stay hopeful, but also to be alert and demand accountability from both public and private players in the economy.

“Things may not be easy now, but we are seeing some signs of recovery. Let’s support the efforts, but also speak up when things are not right. Government alone cannot fix everything. We all have a role to play.”

He said the NPP government remains committed to stabilising the economy, creating jobs, and making life better for all Ghanaians. He encouraged citizens to support the government’s policies while also offering constructive criticism to ensure the country moves in the right direction.

Conclusion

Alhaji Issah Sanusi’s comments highlight the mixed emotions many Ghanaians are feeling at the moment. There is hope and optimism because the cedi is gaining strength and transport fares are expected to come down. But there is also frustration because market prices are still high, and many families are finding it difficult to make ends meet.

His message is clear: economic growth must reflect in the lives of ordinary people. If the cedi is stronger, if fuel prices are lower, then it must show in how much we pay at the pump, in the trotro, and at the market.