‘Kofi Brokeman’ No Longer for the Broke Man —Single Finger Now Sells for ₵7

Roasted plantain and groundnut, popularly known as Kofi Brokeman, has long been a go-to street snack for many Ghanaians. Affordable, filling, and widely available, it was once the quick choice for workers on break, students between classes, or commuters needing a light bite. But rising costs have significantly changed the landscape of this familiar food culture.

In Accra and across other urban centres, vendors now sell a single finger of roasted plantain for ₵7 or more, while groundnuts, previously sold generously for ₵1, have reduced in quantity. For those hoping to feel full, the cost can now reach ₵20 to ₵25 for just a few slices and a decent portion of groundnuts, a price that competes with full meals like rice and stew, waakye, or kenkey with fish. Typically, one would need at least three slices of plantain (₵7 x 3 = ₵21) and about ₵1 to ₵2 worth of groundnuts to be fully satisfied, pushing the total closer to ₵23 or ₵25 depending on the seller and location.

The shift in pricing reflects broader trends in Ghana’s economy. While inflation in Ghana has been on a declining trend in recent months, it’s important to understand what this means in practice. A lower inflation rate does not mean prices are falling, it only means they are increasing at a slower pace. The cost of goods and services continues to rise, and the effects of the high inflation experienced over the past two years are still very much present in market prices and household budgets.

Plantain, in particular, has become noticeably expensive in recent weeks. In many open markets, prices have surged, making it one of the highest-priced staple items. A bunch that once sold for ₵15 or ₵20 is now going for ₵40 to ₵60, depending on size and location. These increases affect every level of the value chain, from transporters and wholesalers to street vendors who now have no choice but to pass on the cost to consumers.

This is why Kofi Brokeman, once considered the affordable go-to for those managing on small daily incomes, is no longer the budget option it used to be. What was once viewed as a “broke man’s” food has seen a gradual shift in perception and accessibility. Today, many are finding it necessary to weigh their options before spending on a snack that now feels closer to a full meal in price.

But even as the cost rises, one question remains: was it ever really only for the broke man?

The popularity of roasted plantain and groundnut cuts across social groups. From students and traders to office workers and even health-conscious eaters, many regard the snack as a smart, nutritious option. It combines complex carbohydrates with healthy fats and protein, making it a balanced, energy-rich food that satisfies without being too heavy.

For some, it’s more than just convenient street fare, it’s a trusted midday meal, a nostalgic bite, or simply a healthier alternative to fried foods.

So while the name Kofi Brokeman may suggest it was once the food of necessity, its current appeal speaks to something broader. People still love it, not just because it was cheap, but because it’s simple, wholesome, and rooted in everyday Ghanaian life.

Still, the rising cost makes it harder to enjoy as frequently as before. Vendors say customers are now buying fewer slices or walking away entirely. Many people, especially those on limited incomes, are being priced out of what used to be their reliable daily snack. And even those who can afford it are beginning to notice that the value no longer matches what it once did.

In many ways, the journey of Kofi Brokeman mirrors Ghana’s economic mood: adjusting, stretching, and holding on in the face of tightening conditions. Inflation may be slowing on paper, but the lived reality on the streets continues to tell a more difficult story.

The vendors are still grilling. The plantains are still golden. The smell still draws people in. But Kofi Brokeman is no longer just a cheap snack, and not everyone can buy it like they used to.

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