Food prices in Ghana remained largely stable in August compared to the previous month, according to the latest AGRA Food Security Monitor report, offering some relief to households amid broader cost-of-living pressures.
The August 2026 report, which tracks food security across 17 countries in Eastern, Southern, and Western Africa, said overall food price conditions remained relatively unchanged from July, with variations across commodities including rice, maize, and sorghum .
Rice and Sorghum Stable
The national average price of rice remained stable at GHS 11,100 per metric tonne, showing no month-on-month change .
“Prices were slightly higher than three months earlier (+0.9%) but remained 10.1% below six-month levels and 16.4% lower than a year earlier, reflecting adequate domestic and imported rice supplies,” the report said .
The price of sorghum also remained stable during the month, with the national average unchanged at GHS 5,833 per metric tonne .
“Prices were slightly lower than three months ago (-1.2%) and significantly below six-month levels (-10.3%), indicating improved market supplies compared to earlier in the year,” the report noted .
However, sorghum prices remained 2.9% higher than a year earlier, suggesting domestic market conditions are still somewhat firmer than during the same period last year .
Maize Prices Rise
The report noted that the national average price of white maize increased by 8.9% month-on-month to GHS 3,141 per metric tonne .
“However, prices remained 8.9% lower than six months ago and 36.3% below year-earlier levels, suggesting that despite recent market tightening, overall supply conditions remain more favourable than a year ago,” the report said .
The increase in maize prices reflects seasonal market dynamics, as the minor harvest season concludes and the major harvest approaches. Ghana’s maize production has benefited from favourable rainfall in key growing areas this year, though localized moisture deficits in parts of the north have affected yields.
Fuel Prices Climb
On broader cost-of-living trends, the report said Ghana experienced further increases in fuel prices in August. Petrol prices rose by 3% and diesel prices by 1% compared with July .
As a result, petrol and diesel prices stood 29% and 19% above March levels respectively, indicating sustained upward pressure in the domestic fuel market .
The fuel price increases are attributable to rising global crude oil prices and the depreciation of the cedi against major trading currencies. The National Petroleum Authority reviews petroleum product prices every two weeks, with changes reflecting movements in the world market and the exchange rate.
Regional and Global Trends
On regional trends, the report observed that in West and Central Africa, first-season maize production has generally remained near average, but agricultural conditions remain fragile across Nigeria’s Middle Belt, Mali, Burkina Faso, Benin, Chad, and parts of the Sahel due to highly variable rainfall distribution and localized moisture deficits .
Although seasonal forecasts suggest generally average rainfall across much of the region, drier-than-normal conditions are anticipated in some coastal zones and in central Nigeria, potentially affecting crop performance later in the season .
Across Africa, fertiliser prices remained elevated in several countries, particularly in East and Southern Africa, although recent declines in countries such as Zambia, Ghana, and Nigeria suggest easing price pressures and improving market conditions in some markets amidst policy interventions .
The report noted that global commodity market trends in August 2026 were characterised by rising food and agricultural commodity prices amid tightening global supply conditions, strong demand, weather-related production concerns, and trade disruptions .
Global grain markets tightened further as 2026/27 production forecasts were reduced due to adverse weather conditions, particularly in Europe, while disruptions to Black Sea exports added upward pressure on prices .
El Niño Threat Looms
The AGRA report cautioned that a powerful El Niño event is developing in the Pacific Ocean and is projected to become one of the strongest on record during the 2026/27 season .
It noted that the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) estimates a greater than 90% probability of its continuation and a 69% chance of surpassing all El Niño events recorded since 1950. This is significantly increasing climate-related risks across Africa .
Overall, the combination of El Niño-driven climate shocks, conflict, economic pressures, and displacement is expected to exacerbate food insecurity across the continent, underscoring the need for early preparedness, climate adaptation, and resilience-building measures .
About the Report
The monthly Food Security Monitor tracks food security across 17 countries in Eastern, Southern, and Western Africa. It is produced by AGRA with support from the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) through the Africa Food Trade & Resilience Programme .
AGRA, formerly the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, works to improve food security and agricultural productivity across the continent. The Food Security Monitor provides early warning analysis on food availability, access, and price trends to inform policy responses by governments and development partners.
