Despite government policy involvement, the General Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU) predicts that food prices will continue to rise in the upcoming months. This is in line with the September 2024 inflation rate increase to 21.5% from the August 2024 inflation rate of 20.4%.
The increase was ascribed to a surge in food inflation by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS). In response to the news, Edward Kareweh, a former general secretary and GAWU member, warned consumers that given the difficulties farmers are currently facing, food prices would likely rise further.
For instance, he mentioned that the effects of illicit mining (galamsey) and the impending dry weather will be significant contributors to rising food prices in the near future.It is unlikely that the nation’s food production would rise significantly in 2024. Food inflation will increase if total output declines.
We should anticipate higher national inflation between now and December and the first half of 2025, he cautioned. He believes that even though the government has made several announcements to lessen the effects, if Galamsey is allowed to continue, the interventions won’t have much of an impact.
According to Mr. Kareweh, one of the biggest obstacles to food security in the near future is the degradation of farmlands and water bodies. He warned that if action is not taken against galamsey, the cost of necessities will keep rising.
Food inflation
The year-on-year inflation for September 2024 has increased to 21.5per centnt from 20.4 recorded in August 2024.The GSS attributed the increase to a rise in food inflation.
Food inflation surged to 22.5 per centnt from 19.1 in August 2024.
However, non-food inflation declined to 20.9 per centnt from 21.5 per centnt in August 2024.Before the current increase, inflation had gone down for five consecutive months.
The report revealed that inflation on locally produced items and imported items increased.
Mercy Addai Turkson
