Charles Forson, Member of Parliament for Tema Central, has questioned whether the recently reported decline in Ghana’s inflation rate truly reflects the experiences of ordinary citizens.
Ghana’s inflation rate fell to 3.8% in January 2026, the lowest level since the 2021 rebasing of the Consumer Price Index (CPI), marking the 13th consecutive month of decline, according to the Ghana Statistical Service.
Speaking on Morning Starr with Naa Dedei Tettey on Friday, February 6, 2026, Forson argued that despite official figures showing inflation at 3.8 percent—the lowest since 2021—prices of essential goods and transport remain high.
“When I go to the marketplace to buy, it’s expensive. The fish I bought is expensive. The rice I bought is expensive. Even the water is expensive,” he said, highlighting the disconnect between official statistics and market realities.
Forson questioned why reductions in import and clearing costs are not translating to lower retail prices. “When you clear things and they are cheaper, when you’re selling it, do you sell it cheaper? No. All other companies are still expensive,” he noted.
He further expressed concern that the discrepancy makes it difficult for the public to trust reported inflation figures. “The price I pay from Tema to Kumasi is still the same or even more,” he said.
Forson stressed that economic indicators should reflect tangible improvements in people’s lives.
“What people feel in their pockets, not just what the numbers say,” should be the real measure of economic recovery, he added, emphasizing the need for government accountability in ensuring falling inflation translates to lower prices of goods and services.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/ Bilkiss Abdul Majiid
