Political commentator and economist Razak Kojo Opoku has argued that discussions around food inflation in Ghana are often shaped in a way that benefits the New Patriotic Party (NPP). According to him, public and media narratives on rising food prices tend to protect the ruling government while overlooking key governance shortcomings.
In a recent statement, Opoku said that the debate on food inflation has become highly politicized, with some commentators and analysts attempting to downplay the government’s role in the economic hardship facing Ghanaians. He stated that when prices of food increase, the situation is frequently blamed on external factors such as global crises and climate change, while local policy failures are ignored.
Citing data from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), he noted that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) has risen from 229.4 in August 2024 to 255.7 in August 2025, showing clear evidence of sustained inflationary pressure on essential goods. Despite this, he believes that the NPP manages to control the narrative, presenting itself as a government doing its best in a global economic storm.
Opoku stressed that this narrative management has given the ruling party an advantage in shaping public perception, as many Ghanaians are often convinced that the inflation problem is entirely due to external circumstances. He argued that this kind of framing prevents the government from being held fully accountable for its economic policies.
Economists, however, have offered mixed reactions to his claim. Some agree that political influence often colors how inflation is discussed, while others point out that Ghana’s inflation problem is a combination of both global and domestic challenges — including currency depreciation, high production costs, and disruptions in food supply chains.
As food prices continue to soar across major markets, many citizens have expressed frustration over the rising cost of living. Opoku’s remarks have reignited conversations about the intersection of politics and economics in Ghana, emphasizing how economic debates are often used to shape political narratives rather than drive practical solutions.
Source: Thepressradio.com
