MoFA Calls for Collaborative Action to Address Food Chain Inefficiencies Amidst Declining Inflation

Tanko Bagbara, the Public Relations Officer at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), underscored the urgent need to address inefficiencies across the food value chain. He emphasized the necessity of collective action to tackle challenges hindering the smooth flow of food from farms to retail outlets, including inadequate infrastructure, high transportation costs, and poor road networks.

Recognizing the complexity of the issue, Bagbara stressed the importance of collaboration with other ministries such as transportation, roads, and highways, as well as donor partners and industry stakeholders. He highlighted that resolving these issues requires a multi-sectoral approach.

Bagbara’s remarks came in response to recent data from the Ghana Statistical Services (GSS) showing a decrease in consumer inflation from 26.4 percent in November to 23.2 percent by the end of 2023. The decline, attributed to favorable base effects compared to higher Consumer Price Index levels in 2022, indicates a continued trend of disinflation.

He also addressed external factors contributing to food inflation, such as rising international food prices and the depreciation of the local currency against foreign counterparts. While acknowledging these challenges are beyond the ministry’s direct control, Bagbara assured that efforts are underway to stabilize food prices.

Bagbara noted the significant contribution of the agricultural sector to lower overall inflation and outlined the government’s commitment to streamline food supply chains to ensure stability and affordability amidst declining inflation.