By Raymond ABLORH
For months, Ghanaians have watched with cautious optimism as the Ghana Cedi staged a remarkable comeback against major international currencies.
This appreciation, a welcome respite from periods of steep depreciation and inflationary pressures, naturally kindled a significant hope: that the prices of goods and services, particularly those heavily reliant on imports, would follow suit and finally come down.
After all, Ghana operates a retail economy largely dependent on imports, and the logic is simple: a stronger cedi means cheaper imports.
Yet, a frustrating reality persists across our markets. While the dollar’s strength against the cedi historically triggered immediate, often aggressive, price hikes by traders, the reverse is proving painfully slow.
Despite the cedi’s sustained appreciation, many local market traders remain stubbornly adamant, refusing to reduce their prices. This stark asymmetry in pricing behaviour is not merely inconvenient; it is, as consumer advocates rightly point out, an act of unpatriotism and, arguably, economic sabotage.
The One-Way Street of Ghanaian Pricing
Ghana’s pricing culture has long been a one-way street, a phenomenon aptly described as a “price trap.” When global economic shocks, fuel price increases, or cedi depreciation hit, prices at the local market skyrocket almost overnight.
Traders are quick to cite these factors as justification, often without clear evidence of their actual impact on their existing stock. However, when the tide turns, as it has now with the cedi’s significant appreciation, the downward adjustment is conspicuously absent.
The excuses are varied: “We are still selling old stock bought at higher rates,” “Other factors contribute to pricing,” or “The cedi’s stability might not last.” While some of these arguments may hold a sliver of truth for certain businesses, especially those with long inventory cycles, the widespread and uniform refusal to reduce prices across diverse goods and services raises serious questions about market discipline and ethical conduct. It suggests a deliberate strategy to maintain inflated profit margins at the expense of the suffering consumer.
This behaviour, characterized by a lack of accountability and weak consumer pressure, has become a structural defect in our economy. It erodes trust in the market system and places an undue burden on Ghanaian households, whose purchasing power has already been battered by years of economic instability.
Economic Sabotage, Not Just Business Sense
While traders may claim “business sense,” the sustained exploitation of consumers through inflated prices, especially when input costs have demonstrably reduced, transcends mere business acumen. It borders on economic sabotage.
When a significant portion of the population is unable to afford basic necessities due to artificially high prices, it impacts overall economic growth, hinders consumer demand, and fuels social discontent against the ruling party and government.
Ghana’s legal framework, though not fully comprehensive in consumer protection, does have provisions against unfair trading practices.
The consistent refusal to adjust prices downwards in line with the cedi’s appreciation, particularly given the historical eagerness to increase prices during depreciation, certainly falls within the spirit of exploitative conduct.
A Call for a National Stakeholder Dialogue on Consumer Protection
The time for passive observation is over. The current situation demands a proactive and collective response to safeguard the economic interests of Ghanaian consumers.
As Mr Hector Wulff, a Consumer Affairs Advocate rightly echoed, there is an urgent need for the Government of Ghana, under the Ministry of Trade and Industry, to immediately organize a National Stakeholder Dialogue on Consumer Protection.
This dialogue must be more than a talking shop; it must be a comprehensive forum to:
1. Thoroughly analyze the current state of consumer affairs in Ghana: This includes a critical examination of existing consumer protection laws, regulations, and enforcement mechanisms.
2. Address the pervasive issue of unfair pricing and exploitation: Stakeholders must confront the “one-way street” pricing culture and develop concrete strategies to ensure that price adjustments reflect economic realities, both upwards and downwards.
3. Explore the establishment of a Fair Trade Commission: As proposed, a dedicated commission with a clear mandate for law enforcement, advocacy, research, and education could be a vital tool in combating deceptive, exploitative, and unfair business practices. This body would foster discipline, fairness, and transparency in the marketplace.
4. Strengthen consumer education and awareness: Empowering consumers with knowledge of their rights and responsibilities is crucial for them to demand fair treatment and seek redress.
5. Foster a culture of ethical business practices: Encourage traders and businesses to prioritize patriotism and fair play, recognizing that a thriving economy depends on mutual trust and equitable practices.
The Cedi’s appreciation presents a golden opportunity for Ghana to ease the burden on its citizens and stimulate domestic consumption. However, this potential can only be fully realized if market players act responsibly and fairly.
This National Stakeholder Dialogue is not just about consumer rights; it’s about the economic health and social well-being of Ghana. Let us come together to chart a way forward that ensures fair trade and protects consumers from exploitation, paving the way for a more equitable and prosperous Ghana.
The writer is a Policy, Strategy & Communication expert
