Diesel Was GH¢15 Under Akufo-Addo, Now It Is Over GH¢19—Maxwell Challenges Mahama’s Economic Claims

A member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Communications Team, Maxwell Ofosu Boakye, has challenged claims that Ghana’s economy is performing better under President John Dramani Mahama than it did under former President Nana Akufo-Addo.

He has used the increase in diesel prices at Shell service stations to question the government’s economic performance, arguing that the cost of fuel remains a major concern for ordinary Ghanaians.

According to Ofosu Boakye, a litre of diesel at Shell sold for about GH¢15 during Akufo-Addo’s administration. However, he claims the same litre now costs more than GH¢19 under the current government.

He questioned how the Mahama administration could describe the economy as improving when motorists and businesses are still paying more for fuel.

“During former President Akufo-Addo’s administration, a litre of diesel at Shell cost GH¢15. Today, that same litre of diesel sells for over GH¢19 at Shell. How, then, can you tell me that the economy is better now than it was under my government?” he asked.

His comments reflect the NPP’s wider criticism of the government’s economic management, particularly over the cost of living and the prices of essential goods and services.

Fuel prices remain an important issue for many Ghanaians because changes in the cost of petrol and diesel can affect transport fares, food prices, production costs and the operations of businesses.

Commercial drivers, transport operators and companies that depend on fuel often face pressure when prices increase. These additional costs can eventually affect consumers who have to pay more for goods and services.

Ofosu Boakye believes that the government should not rely only on positive economic figures when explaining its performance. He argues that the real test of economic recovery should be whether ordinary people are experiencing improvements in their daily lives.

However, fuel prices alone do not provide a complete picture of the country’s economic condition. Other factors, including inflation, exchange rates, employment, interest rates and household incomes, also matter when comparing the performance of different administrations.

The government has previously pointed to improvements in some economic indicators as evidence of its progress in managing the economy. The NPP, on the other hand, continues to question whether those improvements are being felt by ordinary citizens.

Ofosu Boakye’s remarks have therefore added to the growing political debate over which administration has managed the economy better.

As the debate continues, Ghanaians will be looking beyond political arguments for clear evidence of economic progress, particularly in areas that directly affect their pockets.

For many households and businesses, the most important question remains whether the cost of living will become more affordable and whether their incomes will be enough to meet their daily needs.

SamuelAppau [email protected]