Kenkey Was 3–5 Cedis Under Akufo-Addo, Now 5–7 Cedis Under Mahama — Trader Laments Rising Food Prices

A local trader has shared his candid opinion on the economic situation under the current National Democratic Congress (NDC) government, comparing it to the previous administration led by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. According to him, Ghanaians are experiencing higher prices despite the recent appreciation of the cedi against the dollar.

24-Hour Economy Was Already in Existence — Trader Claims

The trader questioned President John Dramani Mahama’s major campaign message, the 24-hour economy, claiming that the initiative had already been operating in Ghana before the 2024 elections.

According to him, President Mahama only emphasized the idea during the campaign period to win votes, but:

“After he came into office, he hasn't done anything about it.”

He stated that many businesses, especially in the urban centres, were already operating beyond regular hours long before the elections.

Calls for Continuation of the Planting for Food and Jobs Programme

He appealed to President Mahama to continue the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) initiative introduced under the Akufo-Addo administration. He suggested that the programme could be improved and aligned with Mahama’s new Nkoko Nketenkete initiative, saying:

Prisoners across districts should be employed to support agricultural production.

This would help increase food supply, reduce prices, and contribute to national economic stability.

Engaging the prison population in structured farming would also support rehabilitation and skill acquisition.

The trader believes that merging PFJ with Nkoko Nketenkete can significantly boost agricultural output if implemented well.

Price of Kenkey Has Doubled Compared to the Previous Administration

The trader expressed deep concern about the continuous rise in food prices, using kenkey as an example. According to him:

During Nana Akufo-Addo’s administration, kenkey sold for 3–5 cedis.

Today, under the Mahama-led NDC administration, it is 5–7 cedis.

He argued that this price increase is a direct result of the current government’s decision to discontinue or weaken the Planting for Food and Jobs programme.

Cedi Appreciating, But Prices Still High

While acknowledging that the Ghana cedi has been appreciating against the US dollar in recent weeks, the trader questioned why local food items remain expensive.

To him, the rising cost of living shows a disconnect between currency performance and actual market conditions. He believes that a stronger focus on agricultural production is the key to bringing relief to consumers.