By Emelia B. Addae
Koforidua, Jan. 8, GNA – Residents of Koforidua, the Eastern Regional capital, have described the first year in office of President John Dramani Mahama in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) led government as a relief.
They described the governance of the President as “good” and urged President Mahama to continue the “good governance process.”
Some respondents who spoke to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Koforidua said the abolition of Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy), betting tax and emission tax, as well as the ease of inflation on prices and services, had translated into a significant moderation in price pressures over the year.
Mr Ebenezer Boakye, a buyer from Y&K Company Limited, a renowned wholesale distributor in Koforidua, said the high inflation rate and heavy tax burden on citizens and businesses some time ago infused the economy with financial burdens.
But now, the decline in food price inflation and the abolition of some taxes had given people the flexibility to save the future, support their families, and contribute to their local communities, he said.
On January 7, 2025, President Mahama was inaugurated as the sixth President of the Fourth Republic of Ghana, and this year (2026) he has celebrated the one-year anniversary.
When the Mahama Administration assumed office, the headline inflation declined to 5.4 percent in December 2025, the lowest rate since the Consumer Price Index was rebased in 2021.
Food inflation fell by 21.2 percent to 6.6 percent, while non-food inflation eased by 14.2 points to 6.1 percent.
Also, Ghana’s currency, the Ghana Cedi, experienced an unprecedented surge in value during 2025.
According to the Bank of Ghana, as of December 31, 2025, the cedi had appreciated by over 40 percent against the US Dollar.
Ms. Hannah Okyere, a trader, called on the government for a more improved economy and a continued good governance process, adding that, “a good governance process ensures decisions are made in a structured way.”
A survey by the GNA at the Koforidua Central Market showed that prices of food items and products were affordable; and both sellers and buyers were enthusiast about the purchasing power.
A crate of eggs is now sold at 50 and 55 Ghana cedis as against 60 and 65 Ghana cedis in August 2025, a bag of rice is sold at 580 and 600 Ghana cedis as against 620 in August 2025.
A bag of maize stands at 350 Ghana cedis as against 400 Ghana cedis in August 2025, the decline applies to several items on the market.
GNA
Edited by Benjamin Mensah