Food prices in Ghana remained largely stable in August 2026, although some key commodities recorded price changes, according to the latest AGRA Food Security Monitor report.
The August 2026 Food Security Monitor indicates that overall food price conditions in Ghana changed only marginally compared with July, with different trends recorded for major staples including rice, maize and sorghum.
Rice Prices Remain Stable
The national average price of rice remained unchanged at approximately GHS 11,100 per metric tonne (MT) in August.
According to the report, rice prices were marginally higher than three months earlier, increasing by 0.9%. However, prices were 10.1% lower than six months earlier and 16.4% below the level recorded a year ago.
The report attributed the decline in annual rice prices partly to adequate supplies from both domestic production and imports, helping to keep rice prices relatively stable in Ghana.
Sorghum Prices Also Hold Steady
The national average price of sorghum also remained unchanged in August at approximately GHS 5,833 per MT.
Sorghum prices declined by 1.2% compared with three months earlier and were 10.3% lower than six months ago, suggesting that market supplies have improved compared with earlier in the year.
Despite these improvements, sorghum prices remained 2.9% higher than their level a year earlier, indicating that domestic market conditions remain somewhat firmer than they were in August 2025.
White Maize Prices Increase
Unlike rice and sorghum, white maize prices recorded a significant monthly increase.
The national average price of white maize rose by 8.9% month-on-month to GHS 3,141 per MT in August 2026.
Despite the recent increase, maize prices remained 8.9% below their six-month level and 36.3% lower than a year earlier.
The figures suggest that while maize markets experienced some tightening during the month, overall supply conditions remain more favourable than they were a year ago.
Fuel Prices Add Pressure to Cost of Living
The AGRA report also highlighted continued increases in fuel prices in Ghana, adding to pressure on household expenses and the broader cost of living.
Petrol prices increased by 3% in August, while diesel prices rose by 1% compared with July.
Compared with March 2026 levels, petrol prices were 29% higher, while diesel prices had increased by 19%.
The sustained increase in fuel prices could have implications for transportation costs, agricultural production, food distribution and household spending.
Food Security Conditions Across Africa
The AGRA Food Security Monitor tracks food security and market conditions across 17 countries in Eastern, Southern and Western Africa.
The report is produced by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) with support from the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) through the Africa Food Trade & Resilience Programme.
In West and Central Africa, first-season maize production has generally remained close to average. However, agricultural conditions remain fragile in parts of Nigeria, Mali, Burkina Faso, Benin, Chad and the Sahel.
Highly variable rainfall patterns and localised moisture shortages continue to pose risks to agricultural production and food supplies in some areas.
Although seasonal forecasts point to generally average rainfall across much of the region, below-normal rainfall is expected in some coastal areas and parts of central Nigeria, potentially affecting crop performance later in the agricultural season.
Fertiliser Prices and Agricultural Costs
Fertiliser prices remain relatively high in several African markets, particularly across Eastern and Southern Africa.
However, recent declines in fertiliser prices in countries including Ghana, Zambia and Nigeria point to some easing of input cost pressures.
The development could provide relief to farmers and contribute to improved agricultural market conditions, particularly where government policy interventions are supporting access to farm inputs.
Global Food Prices Face Supply Risks
Globally, food and agricultural commodity markets experienced upward pressure in August 2026 as concerns over supply, strong demand, adverse weather conditions and trade disruptions affected markets.
The report noted that global grain markets became tighter after 2026/27 production forecasts were reduced, particularly because of unfavourable weather conditions in Europe.
Disruptions affecting Black Sea grain exports also contributed to upward pressure on international food prices.
Climate Change and Food Security Risks
The AGRA report warns that the combination of climate shocks, conflict, displacement, economic pressures and market disruptions could worsen food insecurity across Africa.
In West and Central Africa, variable rainfall, conflict and population displacement continue to threaten livelihoods and access to food.
The report therefore highlights the importance of early preparedness, climate adaptation, agricultural resilience and food security measures to protect vulnerable communities.
It also warns of a developing El Niño event in the Pacific Ocean, which is expected to become particularly strong during the 2026/27 season.
According to estimates cited from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), there is a more than 90% probability that the El Niño conditions will continue, while the probability of the event exceeding all El Niño episodes recorded since 1950 is estimated at 69%.
A strong El Niño could increase climate-related risks across Africa, potentially affecting rainfall patterns, agricultural production, food supplies and the cost of food in Ghana and other African countries.
Source: newsthemegh.com