KEY POINTS
- Inflation and currency fluctuations drive higher living costs in Ghana.
- Urbanization contributes to Ghana’s rising housing and essential service prices.
- Food and transportation costs impact the quality of life for Ghanaians.
Ghana, a resource-abundant West African nation, has had significant alterations in the cost of living over the years, influenced by economic reforms, inflation, urbanization, and global market forces.
These variables have influenced the purchasing power and living conditions of Ghanaians across different social strata. This piece examines the primary factors influencing the cost of living in Ghana, including inflation and currency volatility, housing and urbanization, as well as food and transportation expenses.
Inflation and Currency Variability
According to Ghana Statistical Service in 2023, inflation has substantially impacted the cost of living in Ghana, varying throughout decades due to diverse economic policies. Since the 1980s, structural changes and reforms initiated by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have sought to stabilize Ghana’s economy. Nonetheless, currency devaluations throughout this era escalated consumer costs (World Bank, 2018).
The Ghanaian cedi has experienced significant fluctuations, including a redenomination in 2007 intended to streamline transactions. Nonetheless, the cedi has subsequently fallen against the US dollar, impacting import expenses and inflation (Bank of Ghana, 2023). In 2023, Ghana’s inflation rate surged to 40.4%, dramatically eroding buying power relative to previous decades.
Housing and Urbanization
Ministry of Works and Housing back in 2021 stated that housing expenses in Ghana, especially in urban areas such as Accra, have escalated due to urbanization. Between 2000 and 2020, Ghana’s urban population increased by almost 8 million, exerting pressure on housing.
In Accra, the monthly rent for a one-bedroom flat in central locations might approach $400, imposing a financial strain on inhabitants, particularly those from lower-income households. Despite the government’s implementation of affordable housing programs, including the National Affordable Housing Program, demand significantly surpasses supply.
Expenses Related to Food and Transportation
Ghana Statistical Service stated that food prices in Ghana have seen volatility due to both internal and foreign influences. Significant dependence on imported basics such as rice and cooking oil renders these commodities susceptible to fluctuations in the global market. The COVID-19 epidemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict resulted in a 26% rise in the cost of imported products in 2022, impacting crucial food prices.
The typical Ghanaian household currently spends almost 50% more on food compared to five years prior, with a disproportionate impact on lower-income families. Transportation expenses have escalated, primarily due to rising fuel prices. Ghana’s reliance on imported oil renders it susceptible to swings in the global oil market. In 2023, gasoline prices increased by 25%, impacting public transport expenses for services such as tro-tros (share taxis).
Conclusion
The increasing cost of living in Ghana has been influenced by inflation, urbanization, and global economic dynamics, adversely affecting the quality of life, particularly for urban and low-income households.
Despite government initiatives addressing these concerns, substantial gaps persist. Robust policies designed to stabilize inflation, promote cheap housing, and ensure manageable food and transportation expenses are essential for fostering equitable economic growth.
