Ghana Placed 12th in Africa for Skyrocketing Living Expenses Despite Inflation Decline

Recent statistics from Numbeo have revealed that Ghana stands at 12th among 23 African nations grappling with a high cost of living. This data prompts us to explore not just the numbers, but the real implications these figures hold for the everyday lives of Ghanaians.

• The Cost of Living Index in Ghana is reported at 30.6, broken down further into specific categories: rent is measured at 12.1, while essential groceries are sitting at 33.3.
• Interestingly, despite the high cost of living, Ghana has recorded five consecutive months of declining inflation, with the latest figure resting at 18.4%.

Top African Countries by Cost of Living

Drilling deeper into the statistics, Ethiopia emerges as the most expensive country on the continent, boasting a staggering Cost of Living Index of 43.2. Following closely are Botswana at 39.5, and Mozambique at 38.9. The upper tier of this ranking includes Ivory Coast, Somalia, Cameroon, Mauritius, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Zambia, and Tanzania.

Inflation Sees Fifth Consecutive Decline

While Ghanaians are feeling the squeeze from rising living costs, there’s a glimmer of hope as the country celebrates a decline in inflation for the fifth consecutive month. As reported by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), inflation dipped to 18.4% in May 2025, a welcome change from April’s 21.2%. This shift can be primarily attributed to reduced transportation fares and a noticeable decrease in non-food inflation. It begs the question: could this be the start of a more stable economic landscape?

Breakdown of Inflation Trends

• Food inflation has seen a reduction to 22.8%, down from 25.0% in the previous month.
• Non-food inflation has plummeted even further to 14.4%, down from 17.9%.
• Transport-related inflation faced the most significant drop, dropping dramatically from 14.9% to just 3.1%.

Despite these positive trends, food prices remain the cornerstone of Ghana’s inflation dynamics. Food alone makes up a staggering 9.7 percentage points of the total 18.4% inflation rate. The question looms large: how do we balance these figures with the tangible experience of menace in everyday life?

Conclusion

Although the trends in inflation may offer a flicker of optimism, the high cost of living continues to weigh heavily on the shoulders of many Ghanaians. Essentials such as food, housing, and transportation drive up household expenses, creating a tightrope that many must walk daily. As we look ahead, a pressing challenge remains: will the ongoing gains in inflation ultimately translate into a relief that feels real for the people? The conversations around these numbers should inspire action, reflection, and a collective quest for solutions.

In wrapping up this discussion, it’s essential to remember that behind every statistic lies a story. It’s about the family deciding whether to buy fresh produce this week or wait until next. It’s about the young professional weighing the cost of transportation against their earnings. The nuances of these numbers remind us that data isn’t just a collection of digits; it’s a reflection of life as lived on the ground.

In the end, it poses an important question to us all: how do we create a society where economic indicators not only reflect growth but also enhance quality of life for every citizen?

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.