Dr Tutu-Boahene Urges Caution Over Diesel Relief Scheme

The government of Ghana has directed the National Petroleum Authority to absorb GHS 2 on every litre of diesel to cushion Ghanaians from recent fuel price increases. This decision was made by President John Dramani Mahama, and it is expected to reduce the impact of rising fuel costs, particularly on commercial transport operators and businesses that rely heavily on diesel for their operations.

Dr Bernard Tutu-Boahene, a lecturer in Political Marketing at the University of Education, Winneba, has welcomed the move, describing it as a positive step towards easing the cost-of-living pressures facing Ghanaians. "I think it's good. When you look at the decision of the government, basically it's to bring relief to the transport sector," he said.

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Dr Tutu-Boahene noted that the transport sector plays a critical role in determining the cost of goods and services, adding that reducing fuel prices could help control food inflation and improve living standards. "It's more or less at the centre of standards of living, buying and selling, production, and controls food inflation," he explained.

However, Dr Tutu-Boahene expressed concern that some individuals within the transport and business sectors could take advantage of the relief measures for personal gain instead of passing the benefits on to consumers. He warned that some drivers may resort to tactics aimed at maintaining high fares despite benefiting from reduced fuel costs.

"You see, with all these things, it comes down to attitudes and behaviours. Drivers, market women, and producers, once the government gives you this relief and you begin to enjoy price reductions and all that, you will see some of them coming up with funny tricks," he said. Dr Tutu-Boahene cited instances where some commercial drivers allegedly continue charging high fares despite reductions in their operational costs.

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Dr Tutu-Boahene recalled that some drivers had previously been arrested by authorities over similar practices and called for continued monitoring to ensure the intended benefits of government interventions are not undermined. "At a point in time, we saw some agencies arresting some of these drivers who were engaged in this particular act. I think that they should check them and not use this funny trick to throw away the good intentions of the government," he said.

The lecturer also appealed to market women to consider the wider economic impact of their pricing decisions, particularly if transport fares remain stable. "Market women should be a bit patriotic to this country and probably understand that if lorry fares are not going to be increased, they shouldn't find a funny way to say that they are also going to increase food at the markets," he added.

Dr Tutu-Boahene's comments come as the government takes steps to cushion Ghanaians from recent fuel price increases. The reduction in diesel prices is expected to bring relief to the transport sector, but it is essential that drivers, market women, and producers do not undermine the government's relief by engaging in unfair practices. As the country moves forward, responsible behaviour from all sectors of society will be crucial in ensuring that government interventions achieve their intended purpose.