By Ashiadey Dotse
The Dean of the Faculty of Arts at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) and political and parliamentary discourse analyst, Kwabena Sarfo Kantanka, says fuel price politics is negatively affecting Ghana’s economic decision-making.
Speaking in an interview on GTV’s Current Agenda programme, Prof Sarfo Kantanka said the continued politicisation of fuel pricing is preventing the country from making sound and sustainable economic choices.
He made the comments in response to the government’s announcement of temporary measures to mitigate rising fuel prices, including subsidies aimed at cushioning consumers amid global market volatility.
According to him, while global events such as conflicts and supply disruptions affect fuel prices worldwide, Ghana must be careful not to allow political arguments to overshadow long-term economic planning.
He explained that fuel subsidies may provide short-term relief but place a heavy burden on other critical sectors such as education and infrastructure.
Prof Sarfo Kantanka noted that funds used to support fuel price reductions could have been directed towards addressing challenges in schools, including students learning under trees and the lack of basic learning materials.
He stressed that Ghana’s consumption-driven mindset is also contributing to the problem, adding that sustainable development requires sacrifice and discipline from both citizens and leaders.
The academic urged policymakers to adopt realistic pricing systems and reduce over-reliance on subsidies, warning that continued political interference in fuel pricing could weaken the economy.
He concluded that the government must balance public expectations with economic realities, especially in a globalised world where external shocks are unavoidable.
