Prices of coffins and caskets to increase from next week

Coffin and casket manufacturers at Asafo in Kumasi are lamenting the high cost of raw materials.

The producers say they are frustrated over the high prices of significant materials like fillers, nails, pine, saw and fabrics to line coffins.

The extra expenditure on production is pushing the manufacturers to increase the prices of caskets in order to stay in business.

With inflation rising high, coupled with fuel and utility tariff increases, local businesses are on the brink of collapse.

Agya Appiah, who has about 30 years of experience in the production of caskets and coffins, says he is compelled to increase the prices of his products.

“I was an apprentice in 1992, but now I run my own business. The fabric we use to decorate the casket I bought for ¢200 on Friday, I was told today to pay ¢240. I couldn’t buy it, so I had to come home to solicit the remaining amount.

“Things are expensive, I would also not sell them [caskets] at a reduced price. All manufacturers here have come to a consensus to increase and stick to one price, latest by next week,” he said.

“This casket is called ‘Abenwaha’, with a price range of ¢1,500 to ¢2,000. But now, If I don’t sell it at ¢2,800, I may not be able to accrue my profit,” he added.