1. House hunting
House hunting in Accra is a major source of stress. The process is full of challenges, from finding an affordable and suitable place to dealing with unreliable agents and landlords.
Competition for decent housing is fierce and prices are often exorbitant, making the whole experience incredibly taxing. This stress can lead to elevated blood sugar and blood pressure levels, exacerbating the health problems faced by many young Ghanaians.
2. Finding a trotter on Monday morning
The hustle and bustle of getting to work on public transport on a Monday morning can be a nightmare. Tro-tros, the local minibuses, are often overcrowded and infrequent during peak hours. The struggle to secure a seat can be both physically and mentally exhausting, setting a stressful tone for the week ahead.
3. Finding a trotro Monday afternoon
As if the morning commute wasn’t bad enough, finding a Monday afternoon trotro is just as difficult. After a long day at work, the last thing anyone wants is to fight for transportation back home.
The frustration of waiting for a bus and the resulting chaos of trying to get on can raise stress levels significantly, making the evening commute another ordeal.
4. Constantly increasing prices of basic necessities
The continued rise in prices of basic items such as food, soap and toiletries is another major stress factor. Inflation and economic instability have made it difficult for many young people to afford basic necessities.
This constant financial pressure can lead to stress and elevated blood pressure as they struggle to make ends meet in an increasingly expensive city.
5. Job hunting
After years of education and hard work to achieve good grades, many young Ghanaians are faced with the harsh reality of unemployment. The job market is extremely competitive and opportunities are limited.
The frustration of not being able to secure a job that matches their qualifications and aspirations is a major source of stress. This situation not only affects their financial stability but also their mental health and general well-being.
6. Pressures on relationships
As if life is not hectic enough, relationships have become another avenue of stress for Ghanaian youth. Maintaining a relationship often feels like a financial burden, with expectations to buy wigs, wash jeans and cook for a partner.
These added responsibilities can strain one’s time and finances, making relationships seem more like cash-generating ventures than supportive partnerships.
The challenges facing the youth of Ghana, particularly in Accra, are manifold. From the stress of house-hunting and the daily struggle with public transport to the rising cost of living and the difficulty of finding work, these pressures take a toll on their physical and mental health.
Addressing these issues requires comprehensive strategies to improve living conditions, economic stability and employment opportunities for youth in Ghana.