Audio By Carbonatix
Economist Dr Ishmael Yamson has expressed deep concern over the worsening economic crisis in the country, describing it as the most challenging period for businesses in decades.
Speaking on Joy News' PM Express Business Edition, he said the current economic downturn gives him nightmares, leaving him awake at night questioning, "Where did we go wrong?"
“It has been tumultuous…the last six months have been quite unsettling, volatile, and difficult for our business. I can say with certainty that I've never seen anything like this in the past 40 years," he said on Thursday.
The former Unilever Ghana boss continued, "Look at the depreciation of the cedi, which hit an all-time high last month. I thought we might see some improvement, but it continues to depreciate.
"This period is the most difficult time that Ghanaian businesses have faced. You need a predictable economy, but we currently have a completely unpredictable economy.
"The most difficult aspect is that there doesn't seem to be a real effort from the government or anyone else to change direction, and I can’t see anything indicating that the economy is improving.
He said the local currency's nose dive against major international currencies, the rate of inflation, and every economic indicator aren’t adding up.
"If you are a businessman in this economy today, you probably sleep with nightmares. You wake up the next morning not knowing what will hit you next, and it's been especially tough for manufacturers.
"Having spent 30 years with the multinational company Unilever, I can really sense their frustrations in the current crisis.
"This is because you don’t have control over your costs, absolutely no control. All your costs are determined by factors outside your control as a business.
“If anybody asks me what keeps me awake at night, I will tell you it is the Ghanaian economy.”
Latest Stories
-
Sahara Group urges journalists to look beyond fuel prices in energy reporting
5 minutes -
Today’s front pages: Friday, October 16, 2026
9 minutes -
Ashanti Region: ECG urges customer cooperation with franchise officers
14 minutes -
Ghana’s research fund faces a test of turning funding promises into scientific breakthroughs
26 minutes -
Dîner en Blanc Accra returns on December 28 for second edition
29 minutes -
20% digital tax: Government hiding behind technicalities to cheat Ghanaians – Dr Boako
1 hour -
David Selassie Anthony declares bid for NDC Deputy National Organiser
2 hours -
Amin Adam proposes 13 measures to strengthen Ghana’s debt transparency and market confidence
2 hours -
Mahama announces $2bn annual investment to accelerate industrialisation
2 hours -
Amin Adam urges monthly disclosure of Sinking Fund as Ghana prepares for DDEP repayments
3 hours -
Stronger banks will fuel business growth and jobs – ADB MD
3 hours -
Galamsey: ‘Rivers that fed our grandparents now run the colour of chocolate milk’ – Sam Jonah
3 hours -
We have been scammed by NDC, government is only doing PR – Abanga Fuseini
3 hours -
Republic Bank–JoyNews Habitat Fair opens in Ho today
3 hours -
Dr Boako challenges government over new digital tax
3 hours