Parents in Ghana are facing mounting pressure as the cost of school books continues to rise, forcing many to reconsider their budgets this new academic year.
Natasha Yeboah, a parent whose two wards attend Westwood Elite School in Agape, Ablekuma, revealed that she is now paying 800 cedis each for their books, compared to 600 cedis for both last year. Similarly, Anthony Annan, who recently moved his daughter to Ave Maria in Dansoman, says he paid 1,300 cedis for her school books this year, more than triple the 400 cedis he spent in her previous school Faith International last year.
These sharp increases have left parents struggling with tough financial decisions this new school year. While many parents are feeling the strain, booksellers like Yaw Boateng from Kaneshie Market claim prices have not changed from last year, leading to confusion and frustration.
For some, like Janet Dekurah, whose child attends Mataheko Basic 1 School, the pressure has been overwhelming. Last year, she spent 150 cedis on exercise books, but this year, she has already spent 200 cedis.
When asked about purchasing textbooks, Janet expressed concern, stating, “I don’t have money,” emphasizing the harsh realities parents are facing.
Other parents, like Madam Rose Cudjoe, are bracing for further price hikes. Rose, whose two children attend Matilda International School at Flamingo, paid 200 cedis each for books last year, but is anticipating higher costs this year. This sense of dread is common among many families who are already stretched thin by other expenses.
As schools have reopened, these price hikes in books and other school materials come at a time when inflation continues to squeeze household incomes. Parents are left with difficult choices, prioritizing certain supplies while cutting back on others in order to make ends meet.
The rising cost of education in Ghana is becoming a growing burden for many families, and the long-term impact of these financial pressures remains uncertain.
The disparity between parent experiences and claims from booksellers also suggests a lack of price regulation across schools and vendors, further complicating the situation. With no immediate relief in sight, parents like Natasha, Anthony, and Janet are left to bear the brunt of the rising costs, uncertain of how they will manage future educational expenses.
