6 ways to survive on a minimum wage as a Ghanaian

This was after a meeting by the National Tripartite Committee.

From January 2018 the minimum wage by a Ghanaian worker will be 9.68 cedis instead of the 8.80 that was being previously received.

This means that if you work for 20 days in a month and your company strictly adheres to the minimum wage you will earn GHC 193.6, for 25 days you will earn GHC 242. Even if one works every day in a month, you will not earn up to GHC 300.

How is one expected to survive on such an amount?

Here are few tips.

• Co-rent

Finding a room in Ghana with a fairly good rent is not an easy task. It will be better if you decide to live with at least one friend in a room so you share the bills. This way it will reduce the cost of rent and bills you need to pay at the end of every month.

Alternatively, if your parents/family have a house don't be in a rush to move out after school. Stay home and save money.

• Cut down on transportation cost

If your workplace is close to your home then you can walk. If not find someone who owns a car nearby who can drop you at your office. Some can also take you halfway so you walk or join a public transport for the rest of the journey.

• Practice healthy living

Exercise frequently. Even with your meagre salary eat well in order to prevent a frequent visit to the hospital. Minimise alcoholism, don’t smoke, drink enough water for each day. Practice any other thing that will keep you healthy and prevent you spending money at the hospital often.

• Save each month

We all agree the money is peanut but save anyway. Even if it is GHC 1 each day, save anyway. It may look small today but will yield some returns in the long run.

• Mind the use of electronic appliances

In today’s era, everyone wants to use more electrical appliances to make life easier. But desist from that trend so your utility bills are not high. Do not be wasteful be very meticulous in the use of the utility.

• Find a side hustle

It will be difficult but you need to find a job to earn you an extra income. Surviving on such meagre amount for 30 or 31 days will not be an easy one. Find a side job to support you financially.