Examining the high cost of living; A case study of Accra – Nanaba Amoako writes

Renowned for its rich culture, bustling markets, and warm hospitality, in the heart of Ghana lies Accra, the capital city. It is located on the southern coast along the Gulf of Guinea. It is densely populated with over 2 million people according to statistics. Trading is the most common economic activity that you find.

Agbogbloshie, Madina, Makola, Kantamanto and Kaneshie markets are some major markets noted for trading and all kinds of economic activities.

I usually hear people utter these words almost every day ‘You cannot survive in Accra if you are not wealthy’ so I ponder on this puzzle; Why can one not live in Accra? However, behind the vibrant facade lies a pressing issue that many residents face: the high cost of living.

I decided to step into this city to ascertain answers to my questions. Far away from the garden city of Kumasi, I landed in Accra, precisely Kwame Nkrumah circle, one of the busiest environments which has a market and lorry stations where one can get a bus to every region in the country and even beyond to neighbouring countries.

It was an awesome sight seeing looking at the world-class interchange and monumental grounds of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first president. I couldn’t agree less to its nickname “Dubai”. I saw so many commercial vehicles which we popularly refer to them as “trotro” trooping in and out of the metropolis. Not forgetting saloon cars that I cannot even pronounce their names. In fact, they were very appealing to the human eyes.

Having in mind my final destination being Osu a suburb in Acraa, where I had arranged earlier with a friend to perch for a while, I began asking my way around to where I can get a car to the place. One of the porters whom I saw looking exhausted, one could tell it’s as a result of hard work, directed me to a I can get a public transport to my final destination.

The discomfort begun immediately I sat on a wretched seat by the window. I was quite nervous as a result of the rickety make up of the vehicle. This was a best example of “Don’t mind the body, mind the engine” perhaps, it was the engine that was functional, not the seats or any other.
Getting around the city can also be a costly affair. Public transportation options are limited, and taxis or private vehicles often become the go-to choice. But the price of fuel and maintenance can quickly add up, making transportation expenses a significant burden.

I had my first experience when the conductor begun to collect the fares when we got to middle part of the journey. It got to my turn and I gave him five Ghana Cedis, thinking it was even too much. Only for him to ask for an extra 2 Ghana Cedis totaling 7 Ghana Cedis.

To my dismay, after calculating the distance from Circle to Osu, I realized it was just 10 minutes on the pathway with all the traffic congestions, hence I was quite perplexed about the fare. Reminiscing on fares that are charged in my City, I can confidently say that Kumasi is the best pertaining transportation fares.

I finally got to Osu, where my friend was residing. It had been a tough day so I decided to take a nap and find food afterwards. My vicinity was a supposed Estate so definitely getting a food joint nearby was a difficult one. I walked miles before I chanced on a fast food.

Back in my City, food is very affordable and I thought it was going to be the same in Accra, only for me to deceive myself. A plate of plain rice and stew cost 50 Ghana Cedis. I know the standard of living is always high in cities but in this city, it is beyond what one could think of.

The rising prices of food and groceries have hit residents hard. As Accra continues to urbanize, the demand for imported goods has increased, leading to inflated prices. Basic necessities such as rice, cooking oil, and vegetables have become unaffordable for a significant portion of the population. How can one who earns less than 50 Cedis daily afford a plate of rice?

I began job hunting after a forth night. What well paying job can I possibly get here when I didn’t further my education to a higher level? Hawking is what I ventured into. I would wake up at dawn so I can get to Circle Market on time to hustle.

In three months, I had already saved some amount of money to rent a room. There is no fixed fee for rent in Ghana. Your location determines the amount to pay sometimes, but I am staggered at what the price of a single room in Osu.
From rising cost of basic necessities to skyrocketing rent prices, Accra’s residents are feeling the pinch.

Housing, in particular, poses a significant challenge for many individuals and families. The demand for accommodation far outweighs the available supply, leading to exorbitant rental prices that strain the budgets of many.

400 Ghana Cedis for just a room monthly is shocking. What do I eat after paying rent with all my savings? Is this what happens in every city or it is just the capital city, Accra? This has left many citizens homeless. Some sleep on the streets, interchanges, and others have no alternative than to sleep in kiosks.

The high cost of living in Accra has real-life consequences. It puts a financial strain on individuals and families, leading to stress and a lower quality of life. Young professionals, in particular, find it challenging to establish themselves in the city due to the financial barriers they face.

Now I have answers to the several questions I have been asking myself. If living in Accra will leave me no penny to take care of my self and family, then I cannot survive.

But despite these challenges, Accra is a city of resilience and resourcefulness. People come together as communities, sharing resources and finding innovative solutions to cope with the rising costs. From communal gardens to cooperative buying initiatives, we’re finding ways to stretch our budgets and support one another.

The government is also taking steps to address this issue. They’re working on initiatives to increase affordable housing options and improve public transportation infrastructure, aiming to ease the burden on us, the residents.

While the high cost of living in Accra is undoubtedly a significant challenge, it is important to remember that the city also offers opportunities and experiences that make it worth the struggle.

By fostering a sense of community, exploring cost-effective alternatives, and advocating for change, individuals can navigate the financial hurdles and thrive in this vibrant city.

Writer: Francisca Nanaba Amoako