The Director of Communications for the New Patriotic Party, Richard Ahiagbah, has questioned whether the government will shield Ghanaians from possible fuel price hikes triggered by tensions in the Middle East.
Speaking on the KeyPoints on March 7, he said authorities must clearly state whether the conflict could push petroleum prices up at the pump in Ghana.
“If we don’t get clear answers, it will appear that this war is going to affect prices at the pump,” he stated.
Mr. Ahiagbah argued that global conflicts have historically influenced fuel prices in Ghana, citing the economic effects of the Russia–Ukraine War.
“We saw in 2022 how a war far away between Russia and Ukraine had a major impact on the cost of fuel and living in Ghana,” he said.
He also noted that Ghana currently relies partly on domestic refining capacity, adding that about 30 percent of the country’s fuel needs can be supplied locally.
Mr. Ahiagbah urged government to consider interventions, including possible tax relief measures, to cushion citizens and farmers against the anticipated rise in fuel and food prices.
By Christabel Success Treve
