Ghana’s inflation rate eased to 3.3 percent in February 2026, with rising prices of charcoal, plantain and school-related expenses emerging as the main contributors to the cost of living during the period.
According to the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), the February figure represents a decline from 3.8 percent recorded in January 2026, continuing a sustained downward trend in price pressures across the economy.
Despite the overall slowdown in inflation, some essential household items and services recorded notable price increases. Data from the Consumer Price Index (CPI) show that charcoal, plantain and school-related costs were among the largest drivers of inflation during the month.
The increase in charcoal prices reflects continued pressure on household energy costs, particularly for families that rely on charcoal for cooking. Plantain, a staple food for many Ghanaian households, also saw price increases, contributing to the overall food inflation trend.
School-related expenses, including fees and other educational costs, also pushed prices upward as many households dealt with back-to-school expenditures during the period.
Meanwhile, the latest CPI data show that food inflation slowed significantly, with food and non-alcoholic beverages recording 2.4 percent inflation in February, down from 3.9 percent in January.
Non-food inflation, however, rose slightly to 4.0 percent, up from 3.8 percent in the previous month, reflecting price pressures in services and other non-food categories.
The year-on-year inflation rate has dropped sharply compared with 23.1 percent recorded in February 2025, marking a substantial easing in price pressures over the past year.
Economists say the continued decline in inflation could influence future monetary policy decisions as authorities seek to maintain price stability while supporting economic growth.