Bussiness
Inflation ends 2022 at record 54.1%; lending rates to remain high
Inflation shot up by 3.8% to end 2022 at 54.1%, data from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has revealed.
Despite a strong improvement in the value of the cedi and a reduction in the prices of petroleum products, the rate of inflation still went up in December 2022. This was due to steep increases in food, transport and housing costs.
However, the rate of increase in inflation slowdown.
The month-on-month inflation rate stood at 3.8% in December 2022.
According to the figures, five divisions recorded inflation rates higher than the national average.
They were Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels (82.34%); Furnishings, Household Equipment (71.52%); Transport (71.42%); Personal Care, Social Protection and Miscellaneous Goods and Services (60.94%) and Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages (59.71%).
Whilst Food inflation went up by 4.4% in December 2022, Non-Food Inflation went up to 49.9% in December 2022, from 46.5% in November 2022.
Inflation for locally produced items was 51.1% and inflation for imported items was 61.9%.
Eight sub-classes registered inflation rates higher then the food inflation average. They included Water (94.2%), Fruit and Vegetable Juices (84.6%), Milk, Other Diary Products and Eggs (82.2%) and Tea, Mate and Other Plant Products for Infusion (77.7%).
The slow down in the December inflation means the Bank of Ghana is expected to keep the policy rate unchanged at 27%.
However, lending rates are expected to reman high at an average of about 31%.
Greater Accra records highest inflation of 66.7%
For the regions, the Greater Accra region recorded the highest inflation of 66.7%. It was followed by Eastern region (64.1%) and Bono region (60.3%)
The region with the lowest inflation rate was the Volta region with a rate of 35.6%.
Source: Joy Business
Ghanaian dancehall artiste Charles Nii Armah Mensah, known as Shatta Wale, has won two awards at the 43rd International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) held in Florida over the weekend.
He picked up the Best African Dancehall Entertainer award as well as Concert of the Year for ShattaFest.
In a statement, Shatta Wale’s management expressed appreciation to the organisers and supporters of the awards.
“Management would like to sincerely appreciate the organisers of the IRAWMA awards for the recognition and continuous support for African music on the global stage.
“We also extend our deepest gratitude to fans across the world, especially the Shatta Movement fraternity, for their unwavering support, votes, and dedication throughout the years,” the statement said.
The statement added that the latest wins reaffirm the artiste’s position as one of Africa’s leading musical exports and a prominent figure in global dancehall culture.
The awards bring Shatta Wale’s total haul at the IRAWMA to 11, highlighting his continued presence on the international reggae and dancehall scene.
At last year’s edition, he won three awards: Best African Dancehall Entertainer, Best Music Video for “Killa Ji Mi”, and Best Crossover Song for “Commando” featuring Bounty Killer. -GNA
Bussiness
Global Market Volatility: Gov’t absorb GH¢2.00 per litre on diesel and GH¢0.36 per litre on petrol
Effective Thursday, April 16, 2026, which is the next pricing window, the Government will absorb GH¢2.00 per litre on diesel and GH¢ 0.36 per litre on petrol.
This intervention is intended to cushion customers and ease the cost burden on households, transport operators, and businesses.
The measure, approved by Cabinet, is in response to rising prices of petroleum products on the international market, which have significantly impacted ex-pump prices in Ghana.
This temporary intervention will remain in force for a period of one (1) month.
During this period government will continue to closely monitor developments in the global oil market and assess the need for further policy adjustments.
A statement signed by Minister of Government Communications, Felix Ofosu Kwakye noted that they remain commited to maintaining price stability, protecting livelihoods, and supporting Ghana’s economic recovery in the face of external shocks.
