The Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry plans to roll out a nationwide app for consumer price transparency, aiming to foster fair pricing and shield buyers from erratic market tactics.
Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare unveiled the initiative at the Government Accountability Series briefing in Accra on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. The app will let traders upload prices, empowering consumers to compare rates across markets before buying. It replaces traditional price controls, which she said distort markets and cause shortages.
“We will not control prices,” the minister emphasized. “But we will make prices available for people to choose from.”
Ofosu-Adjare highlighted how the platform fits Ghana’s rising mobile tech adoption and modern trading habits. Transparent pricing, she argued, sparks competition pushing sellers to lower high rates as shoppers flock to bargains.
She illustrated with an analogy: “If we have the same piece of paper and I am selling mine at a thousand cedis and you are doing yours at 200 cedis, then the buyer will decide whether he or she is a Father Christmas to give me 800 more or is a prudent buyer and will buy from you.”
Drawing from recent market visits to spots like Abossey Okai and Kantamanto, she reported price drops in essentials versus 2024. Engine oil fell from GH¢600 to GH¢350; kokonte from GH¢1,200 to GH¢900 per bag; charcoal from GH¢140 to GH¢100 per sack; laundry soap from GH¢30 to GH¢23; and yam from GH¢35 to GH¢30. Social media posts echo these nationwide trends.
On cement, the government enforces a Legislative Instrument mandating monthly ex-factory price declarations by the eighth. Producers face reminders, and undeclared hikes won’t fly. Thus, 42.5-grade cement dropped from GH¢117 to GH¢107, while 32.5-grade fell from GH¢105 to GH¢80–GH¢85.
The minister also announced secured funding from the Ministry of Finance for the 24-hour economy policy. Its secretariat is operational across sectors, with Trade collaborating on financing and raw materials to support three-shift operations.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson #ahotoronline.com