In Ghana’s ongoing battle with food inflation, two unlikely contenders, fragrant (known locally as dog meat) and pork, are grabbing headlines as their prices rise significantly, reflecting the financial strain on households countrywide.
According to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), dog meat, a local delicacy for many, recorded a year-on-year price increase of 68.3%, with a marginal month-on-month rise of 0.2% in December 2024.
This sharp annual increase highlights the inflationary pressures affecting both urban and rural communities, particularly those that rely heavily on traditional food sources for nutrition and cultural practices.
Dog meat, which is cherished in many Ghanaian households for its taste and cultural significance, has seen its price volatility affect consumption patterns. While the month-on-month change appears stable, the sharp annual spike underscores a broader issue of food price inflation that is reshaping dietary habits nationwide.
Pork, an imported staple, also saw a notable price increase, with a year-on-year rise of 58.5% and a more pronounced month-on-month jump of 4.3%.
The rising global cost of meat products, coupled with the depreciation of the cedi, has significantly impacted the affordability of pork for many Ghanaians. With these increases, pork is fast becoming a luxury item for households that once considered it a common source of protein.
The rising prices of dog meat and pork are becoming a significant challenge for households struggling with inflation. Once affordable protein options, both are now increasingly out of reach for many families.
This is especially concerning as protein is a vital component of a balanced diet, and its reduced affordability could have long-term health implications for vulnerable populations.
The price hikes are driven by various factors, including supply chain issues, high transportation costs, and rising feed prices. For imported pork, the weak cedi has also contributed to the increase, making it even more challenging for traders to maintain competitive pricing.
Traders have expressed concern over how these inflationary pressures are affecting their businesses, with many reporting reduced sales volumes and higher operating costs.
Ghana is grappling with inflation and its impact on essential food items, prompting calls for the government and stakeholders to explore measures to stabilize food prices.
Addressing supply chain inefficiencies, improving agricultural productivity, and finding ways to mitigate the impact of global market fluctuations on local economies are some of the steps that could help alleviate the burden on households.
While the current situation underscores the complexities of managing inflation in a developing economy, it also highlights the resilience of communities that continue to adapt in the face of rising prices.
