Food prices in Ghana remained largely stable in August 2026 compared with the previous month, although white maize and fuel prices recorded notable increases, according to the latest AGRA Food Security Monitor.
The August report said overall food-price conditions were broadly unchanged from July, with mixed movements across key commodities including rice, maize and sorghum.
The national average price of rice remained unchanged at GH¢11,100 per tonne, representing no month-on-month movement.
Rice prices were, however, 0.9 percent higher than three months earlier, while remaining 10.1 percent below six-month levels and 16.4 percent lower than a year earlier.
AGRA attributed the relatively favourable rice-price trend to adequate domestic and imported supplies.
Sorghum prices also remained stable during the month, with the national average unchanged at GH¢5,833 per tonne.
The report said sorghum prices were 1.2 percent lower than three months earlier and 10.3 percent below six-month levels, indicating improved market supplies compared with earlier in the year.
However, sorghum remained 2.9 percent more expensive than a year earlier, suggesting that domestic market conditions are still somewhat firmer than those prevailing in August 2025.
Maize prices climb
The biggest movement among the major food commodities was recorded in white maize.
The national average price of white maize increased by 8.9 percent month-on-month to GH¢3,141 per tonne.
Despite the monthly increase, maize prices remained 8.9 percent lower than six months earlier and 36.3 percent below year-earlier levels.
AGRA said this suggests that, although the market has experienced some recent tightening, overall supply conditions remain more favourable than a year ago.
The relatively stable food-price environment was, however, accompanied by further increases in domestic fuel prices.
Petrol prices rose by 3 percent in August compared with July, while diesel increased by 1 percent.
As a result, petrol and diesel prices were 29 percent and 19 percent higher than their March levels, respectively, pointing to sustained upward pressure on domestic fuel costs.
Climate risks intensify
Beyond current market conditions, AGRA warned that the outlook for food security could become more challenging as climate risks increase ahead of the 2026/27 farming season.
The report said agricultural production across West and Central Africa has generally remained near average, but variable rainfall, localised moisture deficits, conflict, displacement and market disruptions continue to threaten livelihoods and food access.
It noted that first-season maize production has generally remained close to average in the region, although agricultural conditions remain fragile in parts of Nigeria, Mali, Burkina Faso, Benin, Chad and the wider Sahel.
While seasonal forecasts point to generally average rainfall across much of the region, drier-than-normal conditions are expected in some coastal areas and central Nigeria, potentially affecting crop performance later in the season.
The report also highlighted elevated fertiliser prices in several African markets, particularly in East and Southern Africa, although recent declines in countries including Ghana, Zambia and Nigeria suggest some easing of input-price pressures.
Global supply concerns
Global food and agricultural commodity markets also faced renewed upward pressure in August, driven by tightening supplies, strong demand, adverse weather and trade disruptions.
Grain markets tightened further after 2026/27 production forecasts were reduced because of unfavourable weather conditions, particularly in Europe, while disruptions to Black Sea exports added pressure to prices.
AGRA further cautioned that a powerful El Niño event is developing in the Pacific Ocean and could become one of the strongest on record during the 2026/27 season.
The report cited U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration estimates showing more than a 90 percent probability of continuation and a 69 percent chance of surpassing all El Niño events recorded since 1950.
The development, AGRA said, significantly increases climate-related risks across Africa and reinforces the need for early preparedness, climate adaptation and measures to strengthen food-system resilience.
Source: businesspostonline
