AGRA warns fuel and climate risks could threaten Ghana's food security

The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) has revealed that Ghana’s food prices remained largely stable in August 2026 but warned that rising fuel costs and growing climate risks could put pressure on food security in the coming months.

The latest edition of AGRA’s Food Security Monitor showed ythat overall food price conditions changed little from July, although prices of some key commodities recorded notable movements.

AGRA noted that the national average price of rice remained unchanged at GH¢11,100 per metric tonne.

The organisation said the price was slightly higher than three months earlier but remained significantly below levels recorded six months and one year earlier.

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“Prices were slightly higher than three months earlier (+0.9%) but remained 10.1% below six-month levels and 16.4% lower than a year earlier, reflecting adequate domestic and imported rice supplies,” the report noted.

Sorghum prices also remained stable, with the national average holding at GH¢5,833 per metric tonne.

The report said prices were lower than three and six months earlier, suggesting improved market supplies, although they remained above their level a year ago.

“Prices were slightly lower than three months ago (-1.2%) and significantly below six-month levels (-10.3%), indicating improved market supplies compared to earlier in the year,” the report said.

White maize, however, recorded a sharper movement during the month, with its national average price increasing by 8.9% month-on-month to GH¢3,141 per metric tonne.

Despite the recent increase, AGRA said prices remained substantially below six-month and year-earlier levels.

“However, prices remained 8.9% lower than six months ago and 36.3% below year-earlier levels, suggesting that despite recent market tightening, overall supply conditions remain more favourable than a year ago,” the report added.

AGRA also said the relative stability in food prices came despite higher fuel costs, which could create additional pressure on the movement and distribution of food.

Petrol prices increased by 3% in August compared with July, while diesel prices rose by 1%. The increases left petrol and diesel prices 29% and 19% above their March levels, respectively.

The report further warned of wider risks to food production across West and Central Africa.

First-season maize production has generally remained close to average, but variable rainfall and localised moisture deficits in parts of Nigeria, Mali, Burkina Faso, Benin, Chad and the Sahel could affect crop performance and food access.

AGRA said rainfall is expected to remain generally average across much of the region, although some coastal areas and central Nigeria could experience drier-than-normal conditions later in the season.

Fertiliser prices also remain elevated in parts of East and Southern Africa, although Ghana, Zambia and Nigeria have recorded some easing.

Global grain markets also faced pressure after 2026/27 production forecasts were reduced because of adverse weather, particularly in Europe, while disruptions to Black Sea exports added to the pressure.

The report further raised concerns about the next farming season, citing climate shocks, conflict, displacement and market disruptions as growing threats to livelihoods and food access across West and Central Africa.

AGRA cautioned that these developments could significantly increase climate-related risks to food production across Africa, making early preparedness, climate adaptation and resilience-building measures critical to protecting food supplies in the months ahead.

ANAS/MA

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