"Gov't is committed to ensuring fairness, transparency in pricing of goods” – Trade Minister

The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has reaffirmed government’s commitment to ensuring fairness and transparency in the pricing of goods, particularly in critical sectors such as vehicle spare parts that directly affect transport costs and the cost of living.

She made this statement on Monday, January 12, 2026, during a working visit to the Abossey Okai Spare Parts Market in Accra, aimed at assessing prevailing prices and engaging traders on challenges confronting the market.

The Minister was accompanied by the Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, and the President of the Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA), Mr. Clement Boateng. As part of the visit, Hon. Ofosu-Adjare held a closed-door meeting with executives of the Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers’ Association to receive first-hand briefings on market conditions.

Addressing traders, the Minister explained that the visit followed earlier engagements at the Ministry, where discussions focused on the recent stability of the Ghanaian cedi and the need for traders to reflect the improved currency performance in their pricing.

President of the Abossey Okai Market Association, Mr. Henry Okyere Jnr., acknowledged that spare parts prices had reduced significantly in recent weeks but expressed concern about the activities of middlemen, popularly known as “Affairs.”

He noted that these individuals often intercept car owners and sell parts at inflated prices, wrongly portraying Abossey Okai traders as overpricing their goods.

He also raised concerns about some automobile fitters who allegedly exaggerate the cost of spare parts to unsuspecting customers.

In response, Hon. Ofosu-Adjare announced plans by government to establish a police post at the entrance of the market to curb the activities of unscrupulous middlemen.

She, however, urged spare parts dealers to explore ways of formally integrating and employing some of these individuals to promote order and accountability.

The Minister commended traders for their cooperation and assured them of government’s continued engagement, stressing the importance of collaboration in advancing Ghana’s industrialization and economic transformation agenda.

Meanwhile, the Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, disclosed that by the first week of February 2026, a designated car park would be created along the Agbogbloshie stretch to decongest the Abossey Okai area.

He hinted that it would improve accessibility, and encourage car owners to transact directly with shop owners.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith