Ghana’s producer inflation falls to 18.5% in April. FX rate dips below GH¢12. But bread prices jump 71%!

Summary of Economic and Business News in Ghana May 22 2025

1. The Price Squeeze at Home Consumers are feeling the pinch.

A 1.5L Coca-Cola now sells for ₵30, up ~11% from 2023.

Bfoster bread — rising ~71% in under a year.

These figures reflect the broader challenges facing Ghanaian households amid supply chain pressures and evolving market dynamics.

2. A Glimmer from the Cedi On the macro front, the cedi is going strong.

The Bank of Ghana’s interbank rate shows the cedi strengthening, now trading at ₵11.86 to the USD — the first time it has dropped below GH¢12 since 2023.

This FX gain could offer short-term relief in import pricing and help stabilize key commodity costs.

3. Protests and Price Pressures Tensions continue to mount in the education sector. University Senior Staff have declared an indefinite nationwide strike over unresolved agreements, potentially disrupting academic calendars and compounding national morale. Simultaneously, April’s producer price inflation dropped sharply from 24.5% in March to 18.5%. While this decline is promising, the disconnect between upstream and consumer-level prices is stark.

4. Bright Spot: The Handicraft Export Boom Perhaps the most exciting development is Ghana’s growing footprint in global artisan markets.

The latest figures from the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (May 2025) highlight a 23% increase in arts and crafts exports in 2024, now accounting for 3% of non-traditional exports.

Top performers include:

-Kente exports: +523%

-Handicrafts: +440%

-Bamboo furniture: +274%

This surge reflects a rising global appreciation for cultural authenticity and handmade craftsmanship, positioning Ghana as a key supplier of premium artisan products.

From rising bread prices to booming exports, Ghana’s economy is a complex interplay of inflationary pressures and global trade opportunities. While households navigate a tight squeeze, policymakers and investors must balance short-term pain with long-term gain — and perhaps, lean more into what’s uniquely Ghanaian.