The “Brong Ahafo” enclave (comprising the Bono, Bono East and Ahafo Regions) appears to be losing its hard-won reputation as the “Brɔdeɛ Akɛseɛ” Region following the continuous rise in the prices of basic foodstuff in the area despite the cedi appreciation against its major trading currency, the dollar, causing serious apprehensions among several residents in the area.
A broadcast journalist at the Sunyani-based Sun City Radio, Lawrence Yeboah Gyan, in a statement, has been wondering why the Sunyani, for instance, which has long been admired for its calm environment, clean streets, and affordability now faces an alarming increase in the cost of living, with food prices surging while rental costs keep escalating uncontrollably.
He says prices of food items in Sunyani, where many residents rely on local markets and informal trading for daily meals, have seen steady and sharp increases over the past four years, describing the situation as “painful and unbearable”, especially when the region has been touted as the breadbasket of Ghana.
“Three fingers of my favorite plantain (the ‘almighty’ Brɔdeɛ Akɛseɛ) now go for Gh.c 20.00 up from about Gh.c 5.00 a few years ago”, he laments.
As for a full bunch of plantain, the least said about it the better. One must carry at least Gh.c 300.00 on you before you even think of asking of the price from the market women.
According to Mr. Yeboah Gyan, ‘common’ gari, which is considered as a staple food among students and low-income earners, now sells between Gh.c 25 and Gh.c 35 per Olonka, almost double of what it used to sell four years ago.
Also, yam, which typically used to be in abundance all-year round in Sunyani has its own share of the price hikes, despite the much-touted economic stability.
“Three medium tubers now cost Gh.c 50.00 to Gh.c 100.00, depending on the season and market”, the News Anchor further complained, adding that kenkey and fish, a simple street meal that used to cost Gh.c 5.00 to Gh.c 7.00 now ranges between Gh.c15.00 and Gh.c 20.00.
𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐧𝐭
The journalists further expressed grave concern about another pressing concerns among residents which is the rising cost of rent, largely influenced by real estate agents and middlemen who have “inserted” themselves into nearly every housing transaction in the city.
“Agents charge non-refundable fees of Gh.c 50.00 to Gh.c 50.00 just to show available rooms or apartments, demand 10% or more as commission on top of the agreed rent, with some even requesting extra facilitation fees for “priority viewings.” Tenants are often required to pay one to two years of rent upfront, especially for self-contained apartments”, he further explained.
He insisted in his statement that this practice contravenes Ghana’s Rent Act, which recommends no more than 6 months’ advance payment, but the law is rarely enforced.
“Agents have been known to inflate rental prices, especially for out-of-town clients or students unfamiliar with local rates. In some cases, landlords increase rent simply because agents claim that “everyone else is doing it.”
Even more worrying, he said, is the fact that all these agents operate informally, without licenses or any oversight by any government regulatory agency.
Impact
Per Mr. Yeboah Gyan’s observation, the combined effect of the rising cost of food and rent is taking a heavy toll on various segments of the population.
“Students from institutions such as the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), Catholic University of Ghana (CUG) Fiapre, and Sunyani Technical University (STU) struggle to secure affordable housing. Some are forced into overcrowded rooms or commute long distances from places where it is less expensive to rent, which are usually far from their campuses.”
He said middle-level workers such as nurses, teachers, and junior administrators find themselves spending over 50% of their monthly salary on rent alone while households have had to literally compromise on food quality and quantity and even pull children from private schools due to increased spending on essentials.”
“Sunyani’s cost of living crisis reflects a larger urban management issue seen in many growing Ghanaian cities. The informal agent economy, when left unregulated, adds artificial inflation to housing costs. Combined with economic pressures from food prices and fuel, it creates an environment where living standards decline, especially for the vulnerable. Furthermore, youth migration increases as young people look elsewhere for more affordable opportunities. Moreover, social tension rises, as economic inequality becomes more visible in daily life.”
Going forward
The journalist is proposing public education campaigns on rent laws and tenant rights, with emphasis on standardized pricing platforms for rooms and rental listings to cut out exploitative agents. Local food markets and cooperatives to bypass middlemen and reduce food prices.
Some long-term strategies, he proposed, include enforcing rent control laws with penalties for landlords and agents demanding illegal advance payments. Additionally, Formal registration and training of housing agents through municipal assemblies, as well as affordable housing schemes targeted at students, new workers, and low-income households, could be considered.
He believes that Sunyani’s rising cost of living, driven by both food inflation and housing exploitation, is a call for urgent policy and community action.
Mr. Yeboah Gyan holds the view that while economic trends play a role, human-made factors such as unregulated housing agents and profit-driven practices have made living in the city increasingly difficult.
“Without any timely intervention, Sunyani risks becoming a city that only the wealthy can afford, losing its identity as a welcoming, balanced place to live”, Mr. Gyan concluded.
