Ghana ends 16-month disinflation streak as prices pick up in April

Ghana’s long run of easing inflation has come to an end, with prices rising slightly in April and signalling fresh pressure on households.

New data show annual consumer inflation edged up to 3.4 percent in April 2026, from 3.2 percent in March — the first increase since December 2024. The shift breaks a 16-month disinflation trend and suggests that price stability, while still largely intact, may be facing renewed strain.
According to African Economy Inc, officials say the increase was driven mainly by higher costs in services, particularly transport, education, restaurants and accommodation — sectors that tend to respond quickly to broader economic changes.

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“Inflation remains slow overall, but we are beginning to see a slight upward movement,” said Alhassan Iddrisu, government statistician, pointing to early signs of pressure building beneath the surface.

Despite the uptick, the broader picture remains relatively stable. Food inflation, a key driver of living costs, was lower in April compared with the same period last year, helping to keep overall price growth in check. This has offered some relief to households after years of steep increases.

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Ghana, one of Africa’s leading producers of gold, oil and cocoa, is still recovering from one of its most severe economic crises in decades. Economic reforms and external support have helped steady the economy, but risks remain.

Iddrisu noted that global shocks and regional disruptions are beginning to push up food and fuel prices again, although the full impact has yet to spread across the wider economy.

The latest figures underline a delicate moment. Inflation is no longer falling, but neither is it rising sharply — leaving policymakers to manage a fragile recovery while watching for signs of stronger price pressures ahead.