Ghanaian households continue to feel the pinch of rising food prices, despite a slight decline in the country’s overall inflation rate for January. According to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) released by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), several essential food items have recorded year-on-year price hikes exceeding 50%, straining household budgets and intensifying concerns about food security.
Topping the inflation basket is ginger, which has seen a staggering 114.4% price increase, making it the most inflated food item in Ghana. The surge reflects broader pressures on food prices, with beans, a critical protein source for many households, also experiencing a significant 84.6% rise over the past year.
Other staple food items have not been spared from soaring costs. Prices of dried pepper have skyrocketed by 82.1%, while onions and okro have each jumped by 79.6%. Additionally, yam, a widely consumed crop, has risen by 72.9%, with cocoyam leaves following closely at 59.3%.
Even citrus fruits like lime have been affected, recording a 58.4% price hike, rounding off the top ten most inflated food items. Notably, watermelon and dog meat have also seen significant increases, rising by 59.7%, ranking seventh and eighth, respectively, on the inflation scale.
These steep price hikes underscore the ongoing economic challenges facing both the nation and individual households, as food inflation remains a major contributor to Ghana’s cost of living crisis.
While the overall inflation rate slightly eased to 23.5% in January, the persistent rise in food prices presents a significant concern for consumers and policymakers alike. As the government explores strategies to stabilize the economy, Ghanaian households continue to grapple with the realities of food price volatility and its impact on daily life.
With February’s price trends uncertain, many Ghanaians remain hopeful for relief in the coming months, though lingering inflationary pressures may pose further challenges in the near future.
Source :Citifmonline
