Charcoal patrons and traders in Ghana are expressing concerns over the increasing prices of charcoal, which they attribute to the current economic conditions.
The situation threatens the sustainability of the charcoal trade, prompting them to call for government intervention to support their recovery.
According to data from Ghana’s 2015 Sustainable for All Action Plan, approximately 69% of urban households rely on charcoal as their primary cooking fuel.
However, the growing adoption of Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) as an alternative fuel source highlights the need to examine the charcoal industry’s status quo.
Citi News spoke with some charcoal patrons who shared their experiences. One individual mentioned that the price of charcoal has increased, but it is still more affordable than gas.
“I usually buy 15 cedis charcoal. I have gas and coal pot so I use both. However, the price of charcoal is now expensive although better than gas. I spent about 150 cedis the last time I bought gas. Using charcoal is better, but the only issue is the time involved in preparing the fire. So I use it simultaneously depending on the convenience.”
Charcoal traders, such as Ayishetu, have also expressed concerns about the impact of the current economic situation on their businesses. She noted that while business initially boomed, people are now buying less charcoal due to a lack of funds.
The slow sales have affected her livelihood, as she struggles to afford food for herself.
“Business was booming at first. Now people do not patronise us like previously. There’s no money. People wish to cook but they do not have money to buy charcoal or groceries. I sell charcoal but yesterday I didn’t cook because I do not have money to buy food. Sales have been very slow lately.”
Hakim Shaibu, a driver responsible for transporting charcoal from wholesalers to retailers, emphasized the need for government intervention to address the issue.
He explained that the high prices of fuel and transportation are negatively affecting their business. The drivers urge the government to reduce fuel prices to help the charcoal industry recover.
“We have no option that’s why we are still in this business. Things are not going well at all. The prices are high the same as the lorry fare. The price of fuel is also expensive. We urge the government to reduce the prices of fuel to help us recover.”