Concerned parents and guardians residing in the Sunyani Municipality have voiced their distress over the significant surge in book and stationery prices. They appeal to the government to step in and help alleviate the financial burden they now face thanks to the higher costs.
Books are critical for children, and like many IQ tests results show, increased literacy rates in children is a sure way to increase their cognitive abilities and mental faculties. Therefore, parents are rightly concerned about the overwhelming difficulties in affording textbooks.
The Ordeal
During a recent investigation by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at various bookstores in Sunyani, it was discovered that exercise books have doubled in price. For instance, an exercise book previously sold at GH¢2.50 is now selling at GH¢5.00.
Other textbooks priced between GH¢25 to GH¢50 are now sold at a whopping increase of GH¢60 to GH¢100.
Madam Esi Awuah, a small-scale trader and concerned parent shopping at one of these bookstores, lamented that buying books was currently an ordeal.
She went on to share additional details. According to her, the cost of living has skyrocketed. That alone is enough reason for the difficulties in affording books, something that’s been aggravated thanks to their price inflation.
Mr. John Kumi Owusu, another parent, expressed his concerns about the rising tuition and meal fees. This joins other academic expenses imposed by some private schools in the municipality. Coupled with the high transportation fares, these additional financial burdens are becoming increasingly daunting for families.
What The Government Can Do
Parents are urging the government to do something in light of these challenges but what can the government do to alleviate this? After all, education plays a crucial role in the development of children. This, in turn, is critical for the future of the country.
One of the resources the government could employ is subsidizing educational material. The government would bear part or all of the costs involved in purchasing textbooks.
Another option is to impose price controls. This needs to be closely investigated since prices increase for several reasons. If not done correctly, it might lead many businesses to ruin.
The government could also collaborate with retailers and book publishers to reduce costs. This, together with other initiatives, can help lower prices and make them affordable even with rising costs elsewhere.
Summing Up
Regardless of the result, parents in the Sunyani Municipality are grappling today with the sharp increase in prices. They are optimistic that the government will intervene and implement measures to alleviate this financial strain, as it not only affects their children but also holds implications for the nation’s future.
Categories: News
Source: thpttranhungdao.edu.vn/en/
