A former Municipal Chief Executive for the Suame Municipal Assembly, Maxwell Ofosu Boakye, has questioned whether it would be fair for critics to describe President John Dramani Mahama as “insensitive” over rising fuel prices, just as former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo was criticised during his tenure.

Speaking in an interview on JoyNews on Thursday, May 14, 2026, Maxwell Ofosu Boakye argued that fuel pricing is largely influenced by global market conditions and should not be turned into a political weapon.

“President Mahama stood in Parliament this year to address Ghanaians during the State of the Nation Address. He used Shell prices, which during our days was GH¢15.45; he said GH¢15.50, which is fair. So, once he used Shell prices, I think it’s also fair that I also go by the Shell prices currently,” he stated.

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According to him, fuel prices at the pumps were not as high across all filling stations when the previous administration left office.

“Because when we were leaving office, diesel wasn’t GH¢15.00 at all the pumps. JP and the rest were selling petrol at between GH¢12 and GH¢13 when we were leaving office. Diesel was a little over between GH¢13 and GH¢14, but the president knew this and decided not to use it,” he said.

He maintained that it would only be fair to compare prices using the same benchmark cited by President Mahama.

“So, is it not fair if I also stick to the Shell prices? That is fair,” he added.

Maxwell Ofosu Boakye further stated that the governing National Democratic Congress had made promises to Ghanaians regarding the cost of living and fuel prices during the 2024 Election campaign and should, therefore, be held accountable to those commitments.

“The point I’m making is, once they promised Ghanaians, I believe they need to push heavily if we are to go by their words. It was decided on campaign platforms. It’s stated in their manifesto. So, what is preventing them? Now, the reality has dawned in,” he stressed.

However, he cautioned politicians against politicising fuel prices, insisting that international market forces play a major role in determining petroleum prices in Ghana.

“President Akufo-Addo was said to be insensitive when a litre of diesel was around GH¢15. Now, a litre at the same Shell is GH¢16. Would it be right if I say President Mahama is insensitive? Would I be right? Knowing very well that it is not his making, but rather the prevailing conditions at the international market that is forcing prices up?

“You see, as politicians, like I always say, these are commodities that we shouldn’t play politics with because it is not in our hands,” he concluded.

SO/AE

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