GENERAL

Tema residents express optimism over Mahama’s first year in office

Some residents of Tema say President John Dramani Mahama’s first year in office has brought relative price stability and modest improvements in living conditions, though many are urging the government to intensify efforts to tackle youth unemployment.

Date Created : 1/8/2026 : Story Author : Frances Dorothy Ward

The residents noted that relative stability in prices of basic goods has brought some relief to households after years of economic pressure, adding that the situation has contributed to a modest improvement in living standards. 

In a random survey conducted in Tema Community One, residents said the past year had brought a sense of economic calm compared to previous periods of sharp price increases.? 

Mr. Kwesi Mensah, a businessman, said stable prices had eased pressure on working families, explaining that food items and transport fares no longer change abruptly, allowing workers to plan their expenses with more confidence.? 

Madam Ama Serwaa, a trader at the Community One Market, noted that although profits remain modest, predictable prices have helped traders avoid sudden losses. 

She appealed for affordable credit and skills training for young traders who struggle to enter the market due to limited capital. 

Ms Evelyn Quartey, a teacher, said price stability has helped teachers manage household needs despite stagnant wages, urging the government to invest in vocational education to absorb students who do not pursue university education. 

Mr. Ibrahim Sadiq, a commercial driver, described the past year as calmer for operators, saying that fuel prices continue to reduce, making the sector lucrative and more predictable in profit-making. 

He added that the stable prices had reduced the incidence of driver and passenger fights over fares. 

He noted, however, that many young unemployed youths had turned to driving without proper training, creating safety concerns, and appealed for structured transport jobs and skills programmes. 

Ms Linda Owusu, an unemployed university graduate, acknowledged improvements in the cost of living but said job opportunities remain scarce and appealed for transparent recruitment and support for start-ups led by young professionals. 

Mr. Daniel Asare, a phone repairer, said steady prices have helped him maintain customers, noting that this must translate into sustainable jobs for the youth to secure long-term social and economic stability. 

Mr. Charles Amos, Assemblyman for the Padmore Electoral Area in Tema Community One, rated the government’s overall performance at 70 per cent, citing improvements in the standard of living and sanitation within the area. 

According to Mr. Amos, recent government interventions have contributed to noticeable enhancements in environmental cleanliness, noting that although food prices remained a concern for residents, the rate of increase has slowed in recent months.? 

He, however, emphasised the need for greater attention to youth unemployment and appealed to the president to intensify efforts to create employment opportunities for young people, warning that persistent joblessness among the youth could exacerbate crime and social instability.