A senior official of the Forestry Commission has attributed Ghana’s improving economic indicators to what he described as the visionary leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, arguing that recent trends in the currency market, inflation and fuel pricing point to a recovery built on solid and deliberate policy choices.
Elikem Kotoko, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission and Deputy Organizer of the ruling National Democratic Congress, said the direction of the economy reflects steady progress rather than chance.
Speaking on developments in the foreign exchange market, Kotoko noted that the Ghanaian cedi has continued to strengthen against the United States dollar in the period following Christmas.
He observed that the dollar, which was trading at about GH¢11.10 during the Christmas season, had declined to approximately GH¢10.45 by the eve of the New Year. According to him, the consistent nature of the decline suggests renewed confidence in the local currency and signals improving economic fundamentals.
Kotoko said a careful study of the trend shows that the cedi’s appreciation has not been abrupt or speculative, but gradual and sustained. In his view, this pattern indicates a resilient economy anchored on sound policy decisions.
He added that if the current trajectory is maintained, the local currency could soon trade in single digits against the dollar, a development he described as a strong indicator of macroeconomic stability.
He argued that currency performance is often one of the clearest reflections of leadership and economic management. According to him, the current administration has focused on building a solid foundation for recovery, rather than pursuing short term fixes.
“These are clear signs of a strong and resilient economy being built on a very solid foundation by a visionary leader, John Dramani Mahama”.
Elikem Kotoko, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission and Deputy Organizer of the ruling National Democratic Congress
Reduction in Fuel Prices
Beyond the foreign exchange market, Kotoko pointed to expected movements in fuel prices as another sign of easing economic pressure. He said petrol prices are projected to decline slightly, with a strong possibility that they could approach single digit levels.
He explained that changes in fuel pricing tend to have a broad impact on the economy, influencing transport costs, food prices, and overall cost of living. Kotoko emphasized that inflation has already fallen into single-digit territory, describing this as a significant milestone after periods of high and persistent price increases.
He said lower inflation provides relief to households and creates a more predictable environment for businesses. According to him, the combination of a strengthening cedi, easing fuel prices and low inflation reflects coordinated policy actions rather than isolated outcomes. He described President Mahama as a leader with the experience and foresight needed to navigate complex economic challenges.
In Kotoko’s assessment, the President’s leadership is characterized by long term planning and a focus on sustainability. He said this approach is helping to rebuild confidence in the economy and lay the groundwork for inclusive growth.
Good Signs Ahead
Looking ahead, Kotoko expressed optimism about the outlook for the coming year. He said the signs emerging at the close of 2025 point to 2026 as a year of progress, real economic growth and visible development. According to him, the gains recorded so far are expected to deepen, with positive implications for job creation, investment and public welfare.
Kotoko argued that improving macroeconomic indicators will gradually translate into tangible benefits for citizens. He noted that a stronger currency can reduce the cost of imports, while lower inflation helps stabilize prices of essential goods and services. In his view, these developments create room for businesses to expand and for households to plan with greater certainty.
He also urged Ghanaians to remain patient and take a long term view of the recovery process. He acknowledged that economic rebuilding does not happen overnight, but stressed that consistency in policy and leadership is key to sustaining progress.
According to him, the current trends should encourage confidence in the direction being pursued by the government. Kotoko further highlighted the role of leadership in shaping economic outcomes, especially during periods of recovery.
He said President Mahama’s experience has been instrumental in steering the economy away from instability and toward a more balanced footing. In his words, leadership matters not only in setting policies but also in ensuring discipline and coherence in their implementation.
Prudent Management
While recognizing that global economic conditions continue to influence Ghana’s performance, Kotoko maintained that domestic policy choices have been decisive in shaping recent outcomes. He said prudent management across key sectors has helped cushion the economy against external shocks and restore a degree of predictability.
As the country prepares to enter a new year, Kotoko said the focus should be on consolidating gains and sustaining reforms that support long term growth. He expressed confidence that with continued discipline and effective leadership, the economy will continue on its recovery path.
For Kotoko, the recent performance of the cedi, the decline in inflation and expectations of lower fuel prices together tell a clear story of an economy regaining its strength.
He said these indicators reinforce his belief that Ghana’s economic recovery is being driven by President Mahama’s visionary leadership, with 2026 positioned as a year that builds on the progress recorded in 2025.
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