Food inflation slows slightly to 2.2%; Agribusiness Chamber demands long-term reforms

The Chamber of Agribusiness Ghana is demanding far-reaching structural reforms to address the country’s persistent food inflation challenges, despite a slight easing in food price pressures recorded in April.

Latest data from the Ghana Statistical Service showed food inflation slowed marginally from 2.3 percent in March to 2.2 percent in April, offering modest relief to consumers grappling with high food costs.

However, the Chamber says the decline is not enough to guarantee long-term price stability, warning that Ghana’s food system remains vulnerable to supply shocks, weak value chains and climate-related disruptions.

Speaking to Citi Business News, Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber of Agribusiness Ghana, Anthony Morrison, stressed the need for a comprehensive and sustainable approach to managing the country’s food systems.

“We need to introduce a more permanent and sustainable system in how we manage our food systems as a country,” he stated.

According to Mr. Morrison, national policy discussions must move beyond the narrow focus on food security and prioritise the development of resilient and efficient food systems capable of supporting production, processing and distribution.

“Today, the global discussion is not just about food security; it is about how food systems can function effectively. If we keep limiting our focus to food security alone, we may miss the bigger picture,” he explained.

He noted that strengthening agricultural value chains through commercialisation and value addition would be critical in reducing supply gaps and stabilising food prices over time.

“There are several components that must work together – value addition, commercialisation and stronger linkages across the agricultural value chain,” he added.

Mr. Morrison further pointed to ongoing government efforts to promote agro-industrialisation, including specialised economic enclaves and agro-processing parks, saying effective implementation would be crucial to improving food supply systems and boosting productivity.

“Government is already talking about agro-industrialisation policies, specialised economic enclaves and agro-processing parks. We need to ensure these policies are properly implemented to strengthen our food systems,” he said.

He also cautioned that climate change and evolving global economic conditions could intensify food supply challenges in the coming years if proactive measures are not taken.

“We must also consider how global changes will eventually affect our food systems and begin preparing for those impacts now,” he warned.

The Chamber’s call comes at a time when policymakers are under increasing pressure to contain inflation, improve agricultural productivity and strengthen food resilience amid rising climate and market uncertainties.

Source: citinewsroom