From communication to entertainment, to work, the smartphone has become a tool we rely heavily upon.

With a large number of competitors aiming for top sales, there has been no shortage of innovation. Each industry aims to outdo the other, adding more and more to a sleek and attractive device that seeks to tick the box of its consumers. 

Ghanaian content creator Emmanuel Fianko (DELPPY) thinks this could be a reason phones have become so expensive.

However, delving into the major reasons, is the main reason it is so difficult to purchase a good smartphone, he said it could be the exchange rate.

“Here in Ghana, the exchange rate makes it too costly to afford a smartphone,” he intimated.

According to Emmanuel Fianko (DELPPY), “In the case of Ghana, it has to do with the rate of dollar to cedi. Currently, that is almost 13 cedis to a dollar. From this exchange rate, it's not hard to understand how expensive smartphones, especially the more popular ones can be so expensive. And as the phone is upgraded with more tech, the more expensive it becomes. Which makes it harder to get a smartphone.”

So how do people get around this?

Well, Emmanuel Fianko (DELPPY) has three suggestions.

The first has to do with buying from an international platform. He says that admittedly the price would still be expensive it falls to a considerable amount that would make it bearable. Shipping the product from a platform to Ghana is a solid aspect that can be made even more effective if you have someone who can serve as the middleman to bring it when they are coming or even do the shipment for you.

The second has to do with buying it second-hand. While it carries a risk, you are likely to get a good phone that is relatively new and in a good working position. Checking social media platforms like X and Facebook can yield a fruitful result.

The last and probably the one that requires the most patience is waiting for the prices to come down. Now yes, this one may not seem fun, but phone prices can come down depending on the year and make. Depending on what kind of phone you’re looking for, you may have to consider waiting to purchase your dream smartphone