Ghana's economic stability begins to reflect in market prices – Market Queen

The President of the Greater Accra Markets Association, Naa Afrowa Dade Padua, says Ghana’s recent macroeconomic stability is beginning to ease pressure on traders, as the strengthening of the cedi improves pricing certainty in the markets.

Speaking on Channel One News’ Quarterly Economic Outlook on April 27, 2026, she said market operators are now experiencing tangible benefits from the improved exchange rate and easing inflation, particularly in imported goods.

“The cedi is now stable, and so we are happy. The prices are stable. For us market women, we give credit to whom credit is due,” she said.

Importers now able to plan better as cedi remains stable – GUTA

Her remarks come at a time when Ghana is recording notable macroeconomic gains, including a stronger currency and a sharp decline in inflation levels.

The cedi, which traded at about GH¢14.71 to the US dollar at the end of 2024, appreciated significantly in 2025 and has since stabilised around GH¢11.02 to the dollar as of April 2026.

The improvement has been attributed to Bank of Ghana interventions, including gold purchase programmes and foreign exchange auctions aimed at stabilising the market.

For import-dependent traders, the stronger cedi has reduced the local currency cost of doing business.

For example, an importer who needed about GH¢1.47 million to finance goods worth US$100,000 at the end of 2024 would now require roughly GH¢1.1 million for the same shipment, saving about GH¢370,000.

Inflation has also declined sharply, falling from 54.1% in December 2022 to 3.2% in April 2026, according to official data. While prices remain higher than pre-crisis levels, the slower pace of inflation has improved predictability for businesses.

Naa Afrowa noted that although prices are still relatively high, the current stability has made planning easier for both traders and consumers.

Analysts attribute the gains to sustained monetary policy measures, including interest rate adjustments and foreign exchange market interventions by the Bank of Ghana.

In Accra’s major markets, traders say the improved macroeconomic environment is already being felt through fewer sudden price changes and better stock management.

For many market women, the developments signal a gradual return of confidence in daily commerce after months of economic uncertainty.