ACCRA, Ghana — A sensational quote attributed to Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga has gone viral across Facebook, WhatsApp, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok and other social media platforms, leaving many Ghanaians questioning whether the government has secretly been manipulating the value of the cedi.
The claim alleges that Ayariga admitted the government was using "tricks" to artificially keep the Ghana cedi stable and warned that the country's economy would collapse if the Bank of Ghana (BoG) Governor's parliamentary appearance was broadcast live.
The statement has triggered widespread debate, with supporters and critics of the government using it to advance competing political arguments. But an independent verification by Global Pulse GH found no credible evidence that Mahama Ayariga ever made the statement.
The Viral Quote
The statement circulating online reads:
"Ghanaians will see the tricks we are using to hold the cedi down artificially and the economy will collapse if we allow Ghanaians to view and listen to the BoG Governor's Parliamentary Probe."
The quote is being shared widely as though it were an official admission by the Majority Leader, prompting concerns about the transparency of Ghana's economic management.
What Actually Happened
The controversy originates from Parliament's decision to hold the Bank of Ghana Governor's appearance before the Committee of the Whole behind closed doors.
The Minority opposed the decision, insisting that the hearing should be open to the public so Ghanaians could hear firsthand the Governor's explanation of issues surrounding the country's monetary policy and the recent performance of the cedi.
In response, Mahama Ayariga defended the closed-door arrangement, explaining that Parliament's Standing Orders permit committee proceedings to be held privately unless members decide otherwise. He also maintained that the Governor was ready to answer all questions and accused the Minority of politicising the matter after objecting to the format of the proceedings.
What Global Pulse GH Verified
Global Pulse GH reviewed reports from reputable Ghanaian media organisations, official statements and publicly available information relating to the parliamentary proceedings.
Our verification found:
- There is no credible media report quoting Ayariga making the alleged statement.
- There is no official parliamentary record or Hansard containing the quotation.
- There is no verified audio or video showing him making the remarks.
While Ayariga publicly defended the decision to hold the BoG Governor's briefing behind closed doors, there is no evidence that he admitted the government was using "tricks" to manipulate the value of the cedi.
Why the Claim Is Misleading
Political misinformation often spreads rapidly during periods of economic uncertainty. Quotes that appear sensational or controversial can quickly gain traction online, especially when they touch on issues affecting the cost of living and the economy.
In this case, the viral statement has been widely shared without any supporting evidence from official records or credible news organisations.
False or fabricated quotations attributed to public officials have the potential to mislead citizens, deepen political divisions and undermine confidence in public institutions.
Why This Matters
The performance of the Ghana cedi affects businesses, investors and households across the country. Exchange rate movements influence the prices of imported goods, fuel, medicines and other essential commodities, making monetary policy a matter of significant public interest.
Businesses across Ghana, including those in the Savannah Region, continue to monitor exchange rate developments because fluctuations in the cedi have direct implications for operating costs and consumer prices.
For more insight into the latest developments affecting Ghana's currency and businesses, read our related report: Cedi Faces Fresh Pressure as Ghana Businesses Watch Import Costs Closely.
As public interest in Ghana's economy grows, it is essential that discussions surrounding the Bank of Ghana and government economic policies are based on verified facts rather than unsubstantiated social media claims.
Verdict
FALSE / MISLEADING.
Global Pulse GH found no credible evidence that Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga said the government was using "tricks" to hold the cedi down artificially or warned that Ghana's economy would collapse if the Bank of Ghana Governor's parliamentary briefing was made public.
The verified evidence shows only that he defended Parliament's decision to hold the Governor's appearance behind closed doors. The viral quotation remains unverified and should not be treated as an authentic statement.
Have you encountered this viral claim on social media? Share your thoughts in the comments, share this fact check to help combat misinformation, and follow Global Pulse GH for credible, accurate and timely news updates.
No comments:
Post a Comment