Coconut, watermelon among top drivers of food inflation

By Praisebell Rosemond Larbi

Ghana’s headline inflation eased in August 2025, offering households some relief as the consumer price index fell by 1.3 per cent month-on-month and annual inflation slowed to 11.5 per cent, down from 12.1 per cent in July.

The latest figures from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) mark the eighth consecutive month of decline and bring inflation below the government’s end-year target.

Yet behind the broader decline, some food staples continue to register steep price hikes, keeping pressure on household budgets.

The GSS highlighted that items such as fresh coconut, watermelon and cooked rice remain among the biggest contributors to price increases.

Fresh coconut prices surged by an astonishing 130.9 per cent year-on-year, while watermelon rose by 115.1 per cent, cashew by 110.3 per cent, avocado pear by 108.3 per cent and ginger by 104.4 per cent.

Other items, including palm fruits, imported apples, groundnuts and chicken eggs, also recorded significant inflation, ranging from 57 to 75 per cent.

The statistical service further noted double-digit increases in several commonly consumed foods and utilities.

Smoked herrings rose 23.6 per cent, vegetable oil jumped 56.3 per cent, yams went up 23.8 per cent, cooked rice increased by 13.5 per cent and electricity tariffs climbed by 38.9 per cent.

Despite these pressures, Government Statistician Dr Alhassan Iddrisu maintained that the overall disinflation trend offers both opportunities and challenges.

He urged households to take advantage of falling prices in other commodity groups to better manage their expenses.

“For businesses, lower inflation is a green light to invest and stay competitive. For households, prices are your chances to save more and shop smarter. For Government, the priority is to lock in disinflation with fiscal discipline and stronger local supply chains,” Dr Iddrisu said.

He cautioned, however, that the gains will only be sustained if both fiscal and monetary authorities remain committed to prudent policy.

“If we continue to put interventions in place to reduce inflationary pressures, we will eventually achieve single-digit inflation. The Bank of Ghana, together with the Ministry of Finance, must ensure the consistent implementation of both monetary and fiscal policies,” Dr Iddrisu stressed.