Ghana Inflation Hits 5% as Tomato Prices Surge 158.3%

Ghana’s year-on-year inflation rate increased to 5.0% in August 2026, up from 4.6% in July, but the headline figure masks sharp differences in the prices of everyday goods and services.

According to the latest data from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), prices fell by 1.0% between July and August, even though the annual inflation rate increased.

The August figure remains significantly lower than the 11.5% recorded in August 2025, showing that the pace of price increases is still substantially below last year’s level.

Tomato prices more than double

One of the biggest developments in the August inflation data was the extraordinary increase in the price of fresh tomatoes.

Fresh tomatoes recorded a year-on-year price increase of 158.3%, making them the biggest price mover among the commodities tracked by the GSS.

The commodity also became the single biggest contributor to Ghana’s overall inflation in August, accounting for 23.1% of the 5.0% headline inflation rate.

Ginger followed with a 128.3% increase, while shrimps recorded a 67.1% rise and mangoes increased by 57.7%.

The sharp increase in tomato prices is particularly significant for households because tomatoes are a common ingredient in meals across Ghana.

Food inflation actually eased

Despite the sharp increase in some food prices, overall food inflation eased marginally.

Food inflation declined from 3.1% in July to 3.0% in August.

The GSS data therefore show why the headline food-inflation figure does not necessarily reflect what every household experiences at the market.

Some food products became substantially more expensive while others recorded significant price reductions.

Lime prices fell by 33.7%, while maize prices declined by 31.3%. Kontomire leaves, sweet apples, fried fish and pawpaw also recorded notable declines.

Why are households still feeling pressure?

The bigger source of inflationary pressure in August was not food but non-food items.

Non-food inflation increased to 6.8% from 6.3% in July, while services inflation rose slightly to 8.6%.

The GSS said about 71% of total inflation originated from non-food items, including areas such as housing, transport, education and other services.

Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels remained the largest contributor to headline inflation, accounting for 29.5% of the rate. Food and non-alcoholic beverages contributed 29.1%, while transport contributed 13.2%.

This means that even with food inflation at 3.0%, households can continue to face significant pressure from rent, transportation, utilities, education and other services.

Savannah presents a different picture

The national inflation figure also does not tell the whole story across Ghana's regions.

Savannah is among the regions where prices have remained in negative inflation territory.

Available August data indicate that the Savannah Region recorded a marginal 0.04% decline in prices year-on-year, following a 1.4% decline in July.

Western and Bono East also recorded negative inflation for a second consecutive month.

Negative inflation does not mean that every product in Savannah became cheaper.

Rather, it means that the overall price level of the basket of goods and services used to calculate inflation was lower than it was during the corresponding period a year earlier.

That distinction is important for consumers. A household may still be paying more for particular products such as tomatoes, transport or rent even when the regional inflation rate is negative.

What does the 5% inflation rate mean for ordinary Ghanaians?

The latest figures point to a mixed cost-of-living picture.

On one hand, Ghana's inflation rate remains far below the levels recorded a year ago, and average prices actually declined between July and August.

On the other hand, individual products and essential services are moving in very different directions.

For consumers, the 5.0% national inflation rate therefore does not necessarily mean that every item in the market has become only 5% more expensive.

The tomato example demonstrates this clearly: the commodity's price was 158.3% higher than a year earlier despite overall food inflation standing at just 3.0%.

The bigger question

The latest figures raise an important question for Ghana's economy: Can the country sustain low overall inflation while controlling sharp price increases in essential commodities and services?

For households, businesses and policymakers, the answer may matter more than the headline 5.0% figure itself.

The next inflation releases will show whether August's increase to 5.0% is temporary or the beginning of another period of rising price pressures.

For consumers in the Savannah Region, meanwhile, the regional figures offer a contrasting picture: while Ghana's national inflation rate increased, the region remained among those recording an overall decline in prices.

Gonja Pulse will continue to track the figures and explain what Ghana's economic data mean for households and businesses across the Savannah Region.