The Secretary of the Combined Kejetia Traders Association, Reuben Ameh, has rejected claims that the escalating tensions between Iran, Israel, and the United States could negatively impact Ghana’s economy.
Reuben Ameh made the remarks during an interview with Alfa Ali, following comments by President John Dramani Mahama suggesting that developments in the Middle East may have economic consequences for Ghana.
But Reuben Ameh insisted that Ghana should not be affected.
Questioning the basis of such concerns, Reuben Ameh asked why events in the Middle East should automatically translate into economic hardship for Ghanaians. He argued that similar explanations were given during the Russia–Ukraine war, the 2007 global economic downturn, the Ebola outbreak, and the COVID-19 pandemic, yet many citizens challenged those claims.
According to Reuben Ameh, Ghana has sufficient gold and oil reserves to cushion the country against external shocks. He maintained that no politician should use foreign conflicts as grounds to increase fuel prices or weaken the cedi.
Reuben Ameh further cautioned against what he described as “political games,” stressing that leaders must not wake up and announce sharp fuel price hikes under the pretext of international tensions.
He stated that Ghana’s economic foundation should be strong enough to withstand global pressures and urged policymakers to protect the national interest.
He said traders would not accept explanations that blame international conflicts for local economic decisions, insisting that Ghana must remain economically resilient regardless of external events.
