Ghana’s inflation rate increased slightly to 5.2% in September 2026, up from 5.0% in August, bringing an end to the downward trend recorded in recent months.
According to the latest Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) data, the September inflation rate remains significantly below the 9.4% recorded in September 2025, reflecting a substantial improvement in Ghana’s inflation outlook over the past year.
The month-on-month inflation rate was recorded at 1.1%, meaning the average prices of goods and services increased by 1.1% between August and September 2026.
Non-Food Inflation Drives September Increase
The latest rise in Ghana’s inflation rate was mainly influenced by non-food items, which recorded inflation of 6.2%, compared with 4.0% for food items.
Non-food products contributed 63.3% to the overall inflation rate, while food products accounted for the remaining 36.7%.
The services sector continues to be a major source of inflationary pressure. Services inflation stood at 8.3%, nearly twice the 4.2% recorded for goods.
Within the services category, housing, water, electricity and energy recorded inflation of 10.3%, while restaurants and hotels registered inflation of 9.2%.
Domestic Products Account for Majority of Inflation
The GSS data indicate that Ghana’s current inflationary pressures are increasingly being driven by domestic factors rather than imported goods.
Inflation for locally produced items reached 6.4%, compared with 2.4% for imported products. Locally produced goods and services accounted for an estimated 85.7% of total inflation during the period.
This suggests that domestic production costs, services, housing, energy and other local price pressures remain important factors influencing the cost of living in Ghana.
Ashanti Records Highest Regional Inflation
Regional differences were also significant in September 2026. The Ashanti Region recorded the highest inflation rate at 9.8%, followed by the Eastern Region at 7.8%.
In the Greater Accra Region, inflation stood at 3.4%, while the Western Region recorded the lowest inflation rate at -0.5%.
Tomato and Ginger Prices Surge
Some food commodities recorded significant year-on-year price increases during the period.
The price of fresh tomatoes increased by 153.4%, while ginger prices rose by 100.4%. However, other food items recorded notable price declines, with lime prices falling by 29.9% and maize prices dropping by 26.4%.
Ghana Inflation Remains Below 2025 Level
Despite the marginal increase in September, Ghana’s inflation rate has improved considerably over the past year.
The GSS estimates that inflation has declined by 4.2 percentage points, from 9.4% in September 2025 to 5.2% in September 2026.
However, the latest increase highlights persistent domestic inflationary pressures, particularly within the services sector, housing, energy and other non-food categories. The development will remain important for consumers, businesses and policymakers as Ghana continues efforts to maintain price stability and improve economic conditions.
Source: newsthemegh.com