Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, met with the leadership of the Food and Beverage Association of Ghana (FABAG) on Wednesday, May 8, to discuss the state of the economy, food pricing, and measures to alleviate ordinary Ghanaians' cost-of-living pressures. 

Posting on his Facebook page on Thursday, 8 May, Dr Forson described the dialogue as “frank and productive,” emphasising the need for collective action.

During the meeting, Dr Forson reassured FABAG members that the recent appreciation of the cedi and the stabilisation of key economic indicators were the fruits of “deliberate, well-thought-out planning and prudent economic management.” 

He stressed that “this stability is here to stay,” dispelling any notion that the improvements were temporary or reactive.

Turning to the pressing issue of food prices, the Finance Minister urged FABAG to accelerate price reductions at the retail level. 

“Food prices, which had been unreasonably high, must start to fall drastically,” he said, welcoming reports that some members had already begun lowering their rates. 

Dr Forson then appealed to other trader groups — including the Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA) — to “follow FABAG’s lead and work together to pass these benefits on to Ghanaians.”

Finally, Dr Forson outlined structural reforms underway to ease cost pressures, including reviewing port charges, levies, and combating smuggling. 

He endorsed FABAG President John Awuni’s call for “a national campaign for price reduction,” affirming that the Ministry of Finance’s focus “is clear: we must translate strong macro-economic gains into real, tangible relief for our people.”