A recent report by Women in Informal Employment Globalizing and Organizing (WIEGO) has shed light on the financial struggles faced by many households in Ghana. According to the report, more than half of Ghanaian household earnings are being spent on food alone. This high expenditure on food has forced many households to cut back on other expenses in order to make ends meet.
The report, titled ‘Navigating Inflation: Impacts of the Cost-of-Living Crisis on Workers in Informal Employment in Accra, Ghana,’ also revealed that education is the second most significant cost for workers after food. Many workers with children are spending almost a third of their household earnings on education. In order to cope with rising school fees, some households are taking on debt, using business capital, or even reducing their food consumption.
Education is especially challenging for workers in low-earning sectors, such as waste pickers. Despite the financial strain, workers recognize the importance of education for their children’s future well-being and breaking the cycle of poverty.
