Charcoal Now Ghana's Biggest Inflation Driver as Prices Surge 50% — Government Statistician

Ghana's Government Statistician, Professor Samuel Kobina Annim, has identified charcoal as the leading driver of inflation in the country for June 2026, with prices recording a staggering 50% increase over recent months. Speaking at a press briefing in Accra, Prof. Annim revealed that the sharp rise in charcoal prices — largely attributable to deforestation, drought conditions affecting timber supply, and increased demand from households unable to afford liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) — has pushed food preparation costs through the roof for millions of Ghanaians. "Charcoal is now the number one commodity driving our inflation figures. This is deeply concerning because it directly affects the poorest segments of our population who rely on it for daily cooking," Prof. Annim stated. The surge in charcoal prices has had a knock-on effect on food prices, as market women and chop bar operators pass on increased cooking costs to consumers. Economists warn that if the trend is not checked, it could further erode household purchasing power and worsen food insecurity. The Ministry of Energy has been called upon to accelerate LPG subsidies and distribution programmes to provide relief to vulnerable Ghanaians. Civil society groups are also demanding urgent government intervention to curb illegal logging and stabilize fuel supply chains. Ghana's headline inflation currently stands above 20%, with food inflation outpacing general price levels across most regions.