Franklin Cudjoe’s Claim on GUTA is False: Evidence from the Nana-Bawumia Era

 By: Habib Mandeya Abukari 

In a recent commentary, IMANI Africa’s President, Franklin Cudjoe, claimed that this is the first time the Ghana Union of Traders Associations (GUTA) is calling on its members to reduce prices of goods. This assertion is not only historically inaccurate but appears to be a deliberate attempt to distort the economic record of the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia-led government.

Contrary to Cudjoe’s claim, there are well-documented instances under the New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration where GUTA, recognizing the impact of sound government policies, urged its members to reduce the prices of goods.

In April 2019, the government introduced a landmark policy reducing the benchmark values of imported goods by 50% and vehicles by 30%. This move was aimed at making imported goods more affordable and enhancing trade competitiveness. In response to this initiative, GUTA publicly acknowledged the government's intervention and issued a press release encouraging traders to reduce their prices between 10% to 15% to reflect the reduced import duties.

Reference: [Citi Business News, July 2019](https://citibusinessnews.com/2019/07/guta-pleads-with-traders-to-reduce-prices-after-reduction-in-import-duties/)

Again in December 2022, Ghana witnessed an unprecedented appreciation of the Ghanaian Cedi against the US Dollar—from a low of GHS16 - $1 to around GHS7.8 - $1 within weeks. This impressive rebound, driven by effective policy interventions and market confidence, was acknowledged by GUTA. The association subsequently appealed to its members to reflect the improved exchange rate situation by reducing prices of goods and services.

Reference: [Graphic Online, December 2022](https://www.graphic.com.gh/business/business-news/ghana-news-reduce-prices-of-goods-and-service-guta-urges-members.html)

It is deeply concerning that a seasoned policy commentator such as Franklin Cudjoe would completely ignore these publicly verifiable developments. Whether by oversight or intent, his claim misleads the public and fuels a false narrative that seeks to discredit the NPP government's economic record.

While it is the democratic right of every citizen to express opinions on governance, such opinions must be grounded in facts. The evidence clearly shows that GUTA has a precedent of encouraging price reductions in response to favourable policy actions—long before the recent call in 2025.

Instead of promoting partisan misinformation, civil society leaders like Mr. Cudjoe should strive to inform the public based on truth and evidence. Anything short of that erodes public trust and compromises the integrity of public discourse.

Franklin Cudjoe’s assertion that this is the first time GUTA has asked traders to reduce prices is demonstrably false. The NPP administration, through bold and pragmatic economic policies, has on multiple occasions triggered such reductions. The record is clear and publicly accessible.

Ghanaians deserve honest conversations and responsible commentary, especially from those who claim to champion transparency and accountability.