Reduce taxes, stabilise cedi – Kumasi traders tell government

Traders in the Kumasi Metropolis of the Ashanti Region are calling on the government to reduce taxes on goods and take steps to stabilise the Ghana cedi against major foreign currencies ahead of the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review.

The Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, is expected to present the Mid-Year Budget Review to Parliament on Thursday.

Ahead of the presentation, OTEC News reporter Kwame Agyenim Boateng spoke to some members of the public, who shared their expectations and concerns.

The traders said they are struggling with the rising cost of goods and are urging the government to introduce measures to reduce prices and improve business conditions.

“We are pleading with the government to reduce taxes on goods. The cost of doing business is too high. We also need the cedi to be stable so prices will not keep changing every week,” one trader said.

They added that a stable currency and tax relief measures would help reduce the cost of goods and services while easing the burden on consumers.

Many traders are hopeful that the Finance Minister will address their concerns when he presents the budget review to Parliament on Thursday.