The Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry is preparing to introduce a nationwide consumer price transparency application to promote fair pricing and protect buyers from arbitrary market practices.
The initiative was announced by Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare during the Government Accountability Series briefing in Accra on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.
She explained that the digital platform will allow traders to upload their prices, enabling consumers to compare costs across different markets before making purchases. The approach is intended to replace price controls, which often distort the market and lead to shortages.
“We will not control prices,” she said. “But we will make prices available for people to choose from.”
Mrs. Ofosu-Adjare noted that the policy aligns with modern trading behaviour and the growing use of mobile technology across the country. Open pricing, she said, will naturally drive competition, forcing sellers to review high charges when buyers shift to cheaper alternatives.
“If we have the same piece of paper and I am selling mine at a thousand cedis and you are doing yours at 200 cedis, then the buyer will decide whether he or she is a Father Christmas to give me 800 more or is a prudent buyer and will buy from you,” she stated.
The Minister cited recent visits to major commercial hubs such as Abossey Okai and Kantamanto, noting that prices of some essential items have declined compared to last year.
Engine oil, for example, has dropped from GH¢600 in 2024 to about GH¢350; kokonte from GH¢1,200 to GH¢900 per bag; charcoal from GH¢140 to GH¢100 per sack; laundry soap from GH¢30 to GH¢23; and yam from GH¢35 to GH¢30. She added that similar trends have been observed on social media, reflecting price reductions across various markets nationwide.
On cement pricing, the Minister said the government is strictly enforcing a Legislative Instrument that requires manufacturers to declare their ex-factory prices by the eighth day of every month. Engagements have been held with producers to remind them of their obligations, and price hikes will not be accepted without the required declarations.
According to her, 42.5-grade cement, which sold at GH¢117 in 2024, is now around GH¢107, while 32.5-grade cement has declined from GH¢105 to between GH¢80 and GH¢85.
Mrs. Ofosu-Adjare also revealed that funding has been secured from the Ministry of Finance to support the rollout of the government’s 24-hour economy policy.
She said the policy has a functioning secretariat and spans multiple sectors, with the Trade Ministry working closely with industries on financing and access to raw materials to enable three-shift operations.
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