Ghana’s inflation in February 2026 was largely driven by rising prices of charcoal, plantain and education-related costs, even as overall price pressures continued to ease.
New data released by the Ghana Statistical Service show that the top 20 consumer items accounted for the bulk of the 3.3 percent year-on-year inflation recorded for the month, indicating that price increases remain concentrated in a few key household expenses.
Charcoal Tops Inflation Contributors
Charcoal emerged as the single largest contributor to inflation, recording a 53.1 percent year-on-year price increase. Although the price of charcoal declined slightly on a month-on-month basis, its significant share in household consumption kept it at the top of the inflation basket.
Green plantain followed closely, with prices rising by 67.9 percent year-on-year, reflecting continued volatility in the prices of staple foods.
Other food items also contributed to the increase. River fish and smoked herrings registered double-digit price increases, highlighting persistent cost pressures on commonly consumed protein sources.
Education Costs Rise
Education-related expenses were also among the major drivers of inflation.
Fees for public and private secondary schools increased by 10 percent year-on-year, while recording a 4 percent rise between January and February.
Costs associated with pre-primary and primary education also contributed to overall price increases during the period.
Housing and Utility Costs Increase
Housing-related costs showed renewed upward momentum in February.
Rent payments rose by 7.4 percent year-on-year, with a notable 5.3 percent increase on a month-on-month basis.
Additional household expenses such as re-sold tap water and refuse disposal charges also added to the inflationary pressure faced by households.
Other Key Price Drivers
Other items that contributed significantly to the February inflation figures included:
- Vegetable oil
- Cooked rice
- Tomato paste
- Yam
- Beef
- Hotel accommodation
Local dishes such as fufu with soup and kenkey with fried fish also recorded price increases.
Inflation Eases but Pressures Remain
Despite the decline in overall inflation—now at its lowest level since the 2021 rebasing—analysts say the item-level data suggest that price pressures remain concentrated in essential sectors.
Food staples, household energy substitutes such as charcoal, and education services continue to exert pressure on household budgets.
For businesses, the figures indicate continued consumer cost sensitivity in sectors such as food retail, hospitality, housing and private education, even as broader macroeconomic stability gradually improves.
Source : www.kumasimail.com
