The Mayor of the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly, Alhaji Adam Abubakari Takoro, has held separate engagements with food vendors and transport operators in the metropolis, urging them to reduce prices and fares to reflect the recent decline in the cost of foodstuffs and petroleum products.
The meetings come amid what the Mayor described as a clear improvement in Ghana’s economic indicators under the government of President John Dramani Mahama, which assumed office in January 2025.
Speaking during a meeting with food vendors in Tamale, Alhaji Takoro said residents deserve relief following months of economic recovery marked by falling inflation, stable exchange rates, and reduced fuel prices.
“We are all witnessing a gradual but steady improvement in the economy. Prices of some food items have gone down, fuel prices are reducing, and inflation is declining. It is therefore important that this progress reflects in the cost of meals sold to the ordinary person on the street,” he stated.
The Mayor acknowledged concerns raised by the vendors about operational costs but insisted that collaboration and better communication among stakeholders could help address the high cost of food in the metropolis.
“Part of the problem has been a communication gap. We will bring all relevant stakeholders on board to find sustainable solutions, but residents must begin to feel the impact of the economic gains we are recording,” he added.
He also stressed the importance of food hygiene, warning that affordability must not come at the expense of public health.
“Food hygiene is non-negotiable. Vendors must ensure that food is prepared and sold in clean environments to safeguard the health of our people,” he cautioned.
The engagement was attended by the Metropolitan Coordinating Director, the Presiding Member, and officials from the Environmental Health Unit.
In a separate exercise, Alhaji Takoro toured major transport terminals across the Tamale Metropolis, including VIP Station at Sakasaka, the Tamale Main Bus Stop, Go Transport, Sankpagala Station, the Cargo Station, and the GPRTU office, where he met drivers and transport union leaders.
He appealed to transport operators to reduce fares in line with the consistent drop in fuel prices at the pumps.
“Fuel prices are reducing every fortnight, and this must translate into lower lorry fares. Transport costs affect everyone — workers, traders, students and families — and easing this burden is a shared responsibility,” the Mayor said.
He held discussions with the Regional Executives of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), led by the Regional Chairman and General Secretary, urging them to lead the process of fare adjustments within the metropolis.
During the tour, the Mayor also cautioned tipper truck drivers along the Vittin Highway against indiscriminate roadside parking and environmental abuse.
“Parking indiscriminately and dirtying our roadsides endangers lives and undermines sanitation efforts. We will not compromise on road safety and environmental cleanliness,” he warned.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
