Ghanaian households are experiencing the effects of rising food prices, despite a slight ease in the overall inflation rate for January. The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) highlights a trend of price hikes in staple food items, with some exceeding 50%, challenging household budgets.
Ginger leads this surge with a 114.4% price increase, marking it as the most inflated food item in the country. Beans, a key protein source, follow with an 84.6% year-on-year increase.
Other essential food items are also affected. Dried pepper prices have risen by 82.1%, with okra and onions each increasing by 79.6%. Yam has seen a 72.9% rise, while cocoyam leaves have increased by 59.3%. Citrus fruits like lime have risen by 58.4%, completing the top ten most-inflated food items.
Watermelon and dog meat have also recorded notable price hikes, with year-on-year increases of 59.7%, ranking 7th and 8th, respectively.
These increases underscore economic challenges at both national and household levels. The GSS report outlines the ongoing pressures on Ghana's cost of living, driven by food inflation.
As both the government and consumers hope for price stabilization in the coming months, households continue to face the impact of inflation. While there is cautious optimism for early February, persistent inflationary pressures may pose challenges in the months ahead.
Source: CNR