Ghana’s economic crisis is having a grave toll on all facets of life. Not only the living are bearing the brunt. It appears the dead will also have its fair share, as the prices of coffins is set to experience an astronomical surge.
With the incessant increase in basic commodities, coffins and caskets will have their prices adjusted in the coming week, manufacturers have disclosed
According to them, prices of raw materials like fillers, nails, pine, saw and fabrics to line coffins have seen a surge.
Speaking to the media, a manufacturer, Mr Agya Appiah, said “the fabric we use to decorate the casket I bought for ¢200 on Friday, I was told today to pay ¢240. I couldn’t buy it, so I had to come home to solicit the remaining amount. Things are expensive, I would also not sell them [caskets] at a reduced price.”
“All manufacturers here have come to a consensus to increase and stick to one price, latest by next week. This casket is called ‘Abenwaha’, with a price range of ¢1,500 to ¢2,000. But now, If I don’t sell it at ¢2,800, I may not be able to accrue my profit,” he added.
Mr Kwame Malvin, also a producer, mentioned that they are currently running at a loss as the cost of production exceeds the revenue generated from sales.
According to him, businesses are on the brink of collapse as a result.
“Our work has been affected. I used to buy this filler at ¢80, currently, I buy it at ¢230. I used to finish two coffins a day. Buyers keep complaining because we scare them with the pricing.
“Starting next week, the prices of coffins will increase. The ¢1,000-priced coffins will be sold at ¢1,500. The ¢800-priced coffins would be sold at, GH¢1000,” he said.
Meanwhile, manufacturers of caskets and coffins have called for the government’s support and intervention, especially in respect of access to wood.
Source: The Independent Ghana