Market Queen Mothers in the Ashanti Region have called on traders across the country to reduce the prices of goods to reflect the recent appreciation of the Ghanaian cedi, particularly against the US dollar.

Speaking at a press conference held in Kumasi, the Queen Mothers applauded President John Dramani Mahama for his effective leadership, which they said has led to a strengthening of the local currency and a significant drop in fuel prices over the past five months.

Madam Grace Adjei Darko, the Adwenhemaa of the Ashanti Region, said traders have a responsibility to adjust their prices in line with the improved economic indicators.

She emphasised that reducing the cost of goods and transport fares would help ease the financial burden on Ghanaians.

“We commend President Mahama for the stability he has brought to the economy.

Now that the cedi is performing strongly and fuel prices are down, we urge our fellow traders and commercial drivers to reflect these changes in their pricing,” Madam Adjei Darko stated.

She further appealed to the government to continue with efforts to sustain the cedi’s appreciation and proposed the introduction of a duty-free port policy to help lower the cost of imported goods.

Nana Akosua Pokua, the Anweniehemaa of Abediakyire, also took the opportunity to highlight key infrastructural needs in the region. She urged the President to prioritise the completion of phase two of the Kumasi Central Market Redevelopment Project, as well as the Krofrom Market, which she noted are critical to commercial activity in the region.

She also called for improvements to road infrastructure in parts of the Ashanti Region to facilitate the smooth movement of goods and people.