Fruit prices in Ghana surged sharply in August, pushing overall consumer inflation higher as local markets grappled with seasonal shortages and supply disruptions.
Fresh coconut prices led the rise, jumping to 130.9% year-on-year in August, up from 9.9% in July, making it the largest contributor to inflation among all items. Watermelon followed closely, climbing to 115.1% from 68.3%, while avocado pear and cashew also recorded significant gains, reaching 108.3% and 110.3% respectively.
Both local and imported fruits contributed to the spike. Apples imported from abroad rose to 75.6%, and sweet apples increased to 68.8%, suggesting that currency pressures and import costs played a role alongside domestic supply issues. Mango prices also edged higher to 44.5%, adding to the pressure on household budgets.
Month-on-month changes showed mixed movements. Avocado prices rose moderately, while watermelon and coconut saw minor declines, reflecting short-term adjustments in availability. The data indicates that while year-on-year inflation surged, some items are starting to stabilize as markets adjust.
Overall, fruits now dominate Ghana’s list of high-inflation items, with five of the top ten contributors in August being fresh produce. The steep rises follow patterns of seasonal harvest cycles, weather disruptions, and transportation bottlenecks, which have constrained supply even as demand remains steady.
