|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Ghana’s inflation rate recorded a slight increase in April 2026, rising from 3.2% in March to 3.4%, according to the latest data released by the Ghana Statistical Service.
The marginal rise reflects ongoing pressure on the cost of living, particularly in areas such as housing, utilities, and education, even as food prices showed signs of easing.
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) report revealed that prices of goods and services increased by 1.0% between March and April 2026 on a month-on-month basis. Key contributors to the increase included charcoal, rent payments, senior high school fees, smoked fish, and utility costs.
Despite these increases, some relief was observed in transport costs, with average fares declining by approximately 3.4% over the past year.
A closer look at the data shows a divergence between food and non-food inflation. Food inflation slightly declined from 2.3% in March to 2.2% in April, suggesting some stability in the prices of basic food items.
However, non-food inflation rose from 3.9% to 4.2%, highlighting increased costs in services and other non-consumable sectors.
On a monthly basis, food prices grew by 0.8%, indicating that essential goods remain sensitive to supply chain challenges and market conditions.
The report also revealed a notable contrast between goods and services inflation. Inflation for goods slowed significantly from 1.7% in March to 1.1% in April, offering some relief to households since goods make up a large portion of consumer spending.
In contrast, services inflation surged sharply from 7.2% to 9.6% year-on-year, driven mainly by rising housing costs, utility charges, and service-related fees. This trend suggests that while prices of physical goods may be stabilising, the cost of accessing essential services continues to climb.
Regional disparities were also evident in the data. The North East Region recorded the highest inflation rate at 9.5%, while the Savannah Region posted the lowest rate at -3.5%. These variations point to differences in local economic conditions, including supply chains, transport costs, and access to markets.
Government Statistician Dr Alhassan Iddrisu emphasised the need for targeted policy interventions to address the evolving inflation dynamics.
According to the report, policymakers are being urged to maintain fiscal discipline while investing in critical areas such as food systems, including storage, irrigation, and transportation infrastructure.
The report also highlights the importance of addressing regional inequalities to ensure more balanced economic development across the country.
As inflation continues to show mixed trends across sectors, the data underscores the need for coordinated efforts to protect consumers, particularly those most vulnerable to rising living costs.
While the slight increase may not signal a major economic shift, it reinforces the ongoing challenges within Ghana’s economy as authorities work to maintain price stability and support household resilience.
