Ghana’s inflation rate fell to 8.0% in October 2025, its lowest level in four years, extending a steady disinflation trend. However the data from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) show that price increases in key consumer goods, especially food, beverages, and household fuels, continue to strain family budgets across the country.
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) report revealed that the top 20 contributors to inflation accounted for nearly a quarter of total price pressures during the month. At the top of the list were smoked herrings, green plantain, cooked rice, all of which remain staples in most households. Cinema and cultural services and charcoal, made the list as well
Smoked herrings, a key source of protein for both low, middle and high income families, contributed 0.5 percentage points to the overall inflation rate. Although its price growth slowed from 23.8% in September to 16.4% in October, it remains one of the most expensive household food items.
Green plantain which is mostly paired with cassava to make local dish fufu, recorded a sharp price surge of 61.6% year-on-year, up from 14.2% the previous month, adding 0.4 percentage points to overall inflation. The GSS linked the spike to seasonal supply shortages and higher transport costs from producing regions.
Other major household expenses also increased. Charcoal prices rose 37.7%, driven by higher production and distribution costs amid growing demand for alternative household fuels. Cooked rice climbed 14.2%, while the cost of cinema and cultural services jumped 52.9%, reflecting broader cost pressures on consumer leisure and entertainment.
The report highlighted additional gains in ginger (+94.1%), vegetable oil (+35.8%), tomato paste (+29.4%), and electricity (+33.7%), all of which directly affect the cost of cooking and home energy use. Everyday essentials such as cassava products (kokonte/dough), kenkey with fried fish, and re-sold tap water also contributed between 0.2 and 0.3 percentage points, showing that even basic meals are consuming a growing share of household income.
The fall in headline inflation is encouraging, but the structure of inflation tells a different story. Families are still spending more on food, energy, and daily essentials. For most households, the relief is not yet visible.
Food and non-alcoholic beverages contributed more than half of October’s total inflation, while non-food items such as electricity, accommodation, and communication services added smaller but steady pressures. These trends could limit disposable income and slow spending on non-essential goods, affecting retail and small business sales.
For many families, the rising cost of food and household energy will force adjustments to consumption habits, cutting protein intake, reducing cooked meals, and substituting charcoal for gas as a cheaper cooking option.
Regionally, North East recorded the highest inflation at 17.3%, while Bono East posted the lowest at 1.1%, reflecting sharp regional disparities in access to affordable food and fuel.
Ghana’s disinflation trend remains on track but maintaining it will depend on improving food supply chains, reducing transport costs, and stabilizing energy prices. Without these measures, households will continue to bear the brunt of price volatility despite lower headline inflation.
