A new national survey on household welfare has revealed a significant worsening of Ghana’s cost of living situation in the first quarter of 2026, with majority of citizens now reporting increased financial pressure amid rising utility, transport, and communication costs.

The findings were presented by Associate Professor of Research Design and Data Analytics, Prof. Smart Sarpong of the Kumasi Technical University, under the institution’s SRC-led research initiative, as part of a nationwide Cost of Living Outlook covering 4,155 households across 100 constituencies in eight regions.

Fieldwork was conducted between April 14 and April 19, 2026, spanning more than 2,300 communities nationwide.

Sharp shift in cost of living perception

According to the study, only 17.4% of respondents now consider the cost of living “low,” a dramatic drop from 68.8% in 2025. The report also notes that perceptions of “high cost of living” have risen significantly, with a narrow margin separating those who see conditions as worsening and those who believe they have remained stable.

Electricity, transport, and data costs lead pressure points

The survey identifies electricity tariffs, public transport fares, and mobile data or call credit as the top three contributors to rising living expenses.

More than half of respondents described electricity costs as high or very high, while similar concerns were recorded for transport and digital communication services.

Households struggling to save

The report paints a concerning picture of household financial resilience, with 67.8% of workers unable to save any money at the end of a typical month. Only about a third of respondents reported being able to put aside savings.

Basic expenditure analysis shows average monthly household spending of over GHS 1,200 on food alone, with transport and rent also accounting for significant portions of income.

Private sector workers hardest hit

A key feature of the report is the widening income gap between public and private sector employees.

While nearly 58% of private sector workers earn GHS 2,000 or less monthly, only 19.7% of public sector workers fall within the same range. In contrast, a majority of public sector employees earn above GHS 4,000, highlighting structural wage disparities.

Overall, nearly 95% of workers earn GHS 5,000 or less per month, underscoring limited income mobility across the labour market.

Rising cost burden across essentials

The study also shows widespread concern over essential goods and services, including food, water, rent, fuel, and utilities. Electricity remains the most frequently cited high-cost utility, followed closely by transport services.

Policy concerns raised

The researchers warn that the sustained decline in living standards could deepen economic vulnerability if unaddressed, urging policymakers and stakeholders to consider targeted interventions to stabilise household income and reduce cost pressures.