Ghanaians are decrying the high cost of living in the country, which has got them to cut down on their expenditure.
The poor and vulnerable who are hardest hit would have to forgo even the little things they struggled to afford.
During a walk about town to assess the impact of the high cost of living, the team from Crime Check Foundation (CCF) caught up with some female head potters who were resting after an unfruitful working day.
They could not keep their calm over the high cost of sanitary especially pads.
According to 28-year-old Barikisu Latifu, a head potter who sleeps and plies her business at Tema Station in Accra, she is uncomfortable with using rags to prevent soiling herself during menstruation but she has no choice.
“Many of us have to do with rags though we are not comfortable. We are unable to buy sanitary pads due to the price. It was Five Ghana cedis but it has shot up to Fifteen Ghana cedis. This is too much and the government must do something about it.
She said she planned of having her own salon after successful training in hairdressing but that has not been realized because of financial difficulties.
A mother of six, Mariama Issifu, 50, who is also a head potter, said their sales have fallen as customers offer meager amounts for their services. She said taking care of her children, as a single mother has been difficult and wishes to get support to establish a part-time business.
Madam Issifu said their problems are compounded as criminals attack them because they sleep in the open.
“Sometimes I will roam the whole market but I will not get any load to carry. Today, I have been able to make Ten Ghana cedis and that is what I am going to buy food with so I will not have anything to save.
I am a widow and the burden of my children is on me. I do not have any support from anybody. Times are hard so we are appealing for help,” she pleaded.
By: Rudolph Nandi
E-mail address: www.rudnankp4@gmail.com
