Rising Food Prices Keep Millions in Hunger – GSS

Ghana recorded a slight improvement in food security during the third quarter of 2025, but rising food prices continue to push millions of households to the edge, according to the latest report by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS).

The report shows that about 12.5 million people experienced some level of food insecurity in the period under review, a decline from the 13.4 million recorded in the second quarter of the year. This translates into a national food insecurity rate of 38.1 per cent, down from 41.1 per cent in Q2, offering cautious optimism.

However, the GSS cautioned that the marginal improvement does not reflect a meaningful easing of pressure on household welfare. Persistent increases in food prices, coupled with limited income growth, continue to undermine food access for many families, particularly those in vulnerable socio-economic groups.

Female-headed households remain disproportionately affected. Food insecurity among such households peaked at 44.1 per cent in early 2025, significantly higher than the 38.7 per cent recorded among male-headed households. The disparity underscores structural challenges, including income inequality and limited access to productive resources, that continue to affect women-led households.

The report also highlights marked regional variations. The Upper West, North East and Volta Regions recorded the highest food insecurity levels, reflecting long-standing development and livelihood challenges in these areas. In contrast, the Oti Region recorded the lowest rate, with food insecurity declining steadily from 23.8 per cent in the first quarter to 18.4 per cent in Q3 2025.

Beyond household welfare, the GSS warned of broader economic implications. Food-insecure households typically have reduced disposable income, limiting their ability to spend on non-essential goods and services. This, analysts note, could constrain domestic consumption and place additional pressure on retail, trade and other consumer-driven sectors of the economy.

Economists argue that unless food prices stabilise and household incomes improve, the impact could extend beyond social welfare to affect overall economic growth. Weak consumer demand, they warn, may slow recovery efforts and dampen private sector activity.

While welcoming the decline in food insecurity, GSS officials stressed that sustained policy interventions are required to address the underlying drivers of the problem. These include rising food costs, uneven regional development and persistent income vulnerabilities. Targeted support for high-risk regions and households, the report noted, will be critical to achieving lasting food security gains.