'Accra becoming too expensive for ordinary people' - Man laments over rising cost of living

A man has sparked debate on social media after expressing concern over the rising cost of living in Accra.

He argued that the city is gradually becoming unaffordable for the average Ghanaian worker.

In a viral video shared on X and sighted by GhanaWeb on June 26, 2026, the man said although he enjoys living in Ghana's capital, the increasing cost of housing, food, entertainment, and hospitality is pricing many local residents out of the city's fast-growing economy.

"I love living in Accra, but the prices here are starting to look crazy. Even simple weekend activities are becoming more expensive. But the average salary here does not match those prices. And that's the issue," he said.

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He contrasted the situation in Accra with that of cities in the United States and Europe, where he believes even people on modest incomes are still able to enjoy basic leisure activities.

"In the US or Europe, someone with a low income can still enjoy life a little bit. They can go out, they can eat well, nothing crazy. But in Accra, a lot of normal workers simply can't do the same things. So, basically they're priced out," he stated.

According to him, many of the city's upscale restaurants, hotels, and entertainment venues have become accessible mainly to tourists, expatriates, and members of the Ghanaian diaspora rather than ordinary residents.

"So, the nice places in Accra are mostly enjoyed by tourists and people from the diaspora. And don't get me wrong, I love Ghana. But we have to be honest, if local people cannot afford to enjoy the city that they helped build every day, then something's really wrong," he added.

He also pointed to the rising cost of accommodation and hospitality services, saying the prices of apartments, hotels, and restaurants have increased beyond the reach of many working-class residents.

"I love living in Accra, but the prices here are starting to look crazy. Restaurants are expensive. The hotels are expensive. The apartments are expensive," he said.

Meanwhile, Accra has been ranked the eighth most expensive city in Africa in 2026, emphasising the persistent cost-of-living pressures facing Ghana despite ongoing macroeconomic stabilisation efforts.

New data from Numbeo’s 2026 Cost of Living Index places the capital 8th out of 22 major African cities, with a cost of living index of 36.6, positioning it ahead of several North and East African capitals.

Although Accra does not top the continental list, it sits firmly within the upper tier, reflecting elevated household expenses relative to average income levels.

The video has since generated mixed reactions online, with some social media users agreeing that the cost of living in Accra has risen sharply in recent years, while others argued that the city's prices reflect growing demand and rapid urban development.

Watch the video below.

We have to be honest. If local people cannot afford to enjoy the city that they help build everyday, then something is really wrong.

—Man raises concern over Accra’s rising cost of living that is gradually pricing out the average citizen from the city’s fast developing economy.… pic.twitter.com/7dH0Z93dEj

— SIKAOFFICIAL🦍 (@SIKAOFFICIAL1) June 25, 2026