A video of a man from Kumasi lamenting about the high cost of living in Accra has gone viral, adding to widespread discussion about the rising prices in Ghana’s capital city.
The video, shared by X user @eddie_wrt, captures the man’s frustration after encountering what he describes as exorbitant prices for food.
“I just got to Accra from Kumasi this morning. I tell you, I can’t spend more than 2 hours in this place. Ei! I just got down and decided to freshen up and get some food to eat. So I decided to visit the food joint here,” the man says, pointing at a food vendor.
He continues, “She has some waakye. I asked her how much the food was, and she said, GHC 30 and GHC 35.00. Ah! This early morning? What job have I done to earn that amount for food?”
The man then explains his experience with another vendor: “I decided to visit another vendor, and she said it starts from GHC 7.00. That does not include the additives. Kumasi, we can buy the same thing starting from GHC 5.00, and you can get spaghetti with some salad and co for GHC 1.00. Over here, the salad alone is GHC 3.00 upwards, and the spaghetti is GHC 2.00 upwards. Ei! I don’t think I can spend more than 2 hours here!?”
Since 2022, there have been numerous reports from individuals, groups, and institutions about the increasing expenses associated with living in the city.
Prices of goods and services, especially food, housing, and transportation, have surged, making it difficult for many to afford necessities.
Accra, according to a survey by Numbeo, published on Business Insider Africa in 2021, was ranked among the more expensive cities in Africa.
In a recent ranking of the most expensive cities for expatriates, Accra was listed among the top 15, alongside cities like Lagos, Johannesburg, and Pretoria.
The growing cost of living in Accra has sparked debates and concerns among residents and policymakers. Many are calling for measures to control prices and make the city more affordable for its inhabitants.
Watch the full video of the man’s complaint below: