Given the current economic woes facing Ghana, some disgruntled traders and members of the Ghana Union of Traders and Agents (GUTA) have expressed anger over these problems, with many citing a sharp fall in the exchange rate and a sharp increase in import tariffs as reasons.
In an interview with Accra-based UTV, a trader who identified himself as a New Patriotic Party (NPP) supporter, accused the government of ignoring the plight of its people despite the country being blessed with natural resources.
Traders noted that the staggering exchange rate of 150,300 cedis to $10,000 is making it increasingly difficult to import goods.
“Currently, if you want to exchange cedis for dollars, you need 150,300 to get $10,000.
“But those in power say nothing is happening and the country is doing well.
“I am an NPP supporter but when I try to tell the government the truth, they pretend not to hear anything.
“Why are we suffering in a small country like Ghana?” he lamented.
Traders recalled the stability of the economy during the tenure of former President Agyekum Kufuor and questioned why the exchange rate remained relatively stable at four cedis to the dollar. [Kufuor] Current economic challenges were not consulted.
“Kuffour did good work in the economy when the exchange rate was four cedis to the dollar and he is still alive.
“Why did they [the government] “Are you going to consult him? Why are they allowing us to suffer like this,” he questioned.
Amusingly, the trader’s anger erupted as he turned to the reporter and said: “Are you asking me a question? Did I have anything to eat this morning? Really?”
The exchange came amid calls for government measures to curb the rapid fall of the cedi and its economic impact.
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— UTV Ghana (@utvghana) May 22, 2024
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