Kumasi will see an increase in the cost of coffins and caskets starting next week

It has been reported that coffin and casket manufacturers in Ghana's Ashanti region of Kumasi will start raising their prices the following week.

Due to the increased cost of raw materials such as fillings, nails, wood, saws, and textiles used to line coffins, producers have stated that they will need to raise their prices.

As the price of essential goods like wheat and cooking oil climbs, bakery businesses are feeling the strain.

When Joy News visited the coffin builders' workshop in Asafo, a Kumasi suburb, they grumbled about the outrageous cost of raw materials.

They claimed that for the business to continue making a profit, the rising cost of manufacturing requires an increase in casket prices.

Due to the rising cost of living, as well as the rising prices of electricity and gasoline, the majority of local businesses are in danger of failing.

Agya Appiah, a coffin builder with almost 30 years of experience, told Joy News that he must increase prices.

"In 1992, I was an apprentice; today, I own and operate my firm. I was instructed today to pay 240 for the fabric we will be using to decorate the casket, which I purchased on Friday for 200.

I was unable to purchase it, so I had to return home to ask for the remaining funds.

"Things are pricey, so I wouldn't offer to sell the caskets at a discount. All of the producers present have agreed to raise and maintain a single pricing, preferably by the following week, he said.

"This casket is known as "Abenwaha," and it costs between $1,500 and $2,000. Now, though, I might not be able to realize a profit if I don't sell it for 2,800," he continued.

Three-year business veteran Kwame Malvin agrees that customers are dissatisfied with the new costs.

"This has had an impact on our job. Previously, I paid 80 for this filling; today, I pay 230. I once completed two coffins every day. Customers constantly complain because our cost scares them.

"Coffin costs will rise as of the following week. The $1,000 coffins will be offered for $1,500. According to him, the 800-dollar coffins would be sold for $1,000.

Ken Thompson, CEO of Dalex Finance, has asked President Nana Akufo-Addo to move quickly to stabilize the fragile Ghanaian economy and warned of imminent suffering if the current administration does not shift course.

Tuesday, November 1, 2022, during a program on Citi TV in Accra, Mr. Thompson knelt and begged: "His Excellency, Nana Addo Dankwa, what I can see coming is not good. What I see coming, if you're watching, is not good.

I can see poverty, lost jobs, shut-downs of businesses, and rising electricity prices, the man said.