The Food Chain
The Food Chain
BBC World Service
Why is food so expensive in Ghana?
29 minutes Posted Oct 25, 2023 at 11:00 pm.
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Show notes

Ghana’s inflation rate is one of the highest in the world, much of it driven by rising food prices.

In this programme Ruth Alexander asks how Ghana went from being the world’s fastest growing economy in 2019, to financial crisis today.

Economist John Asafu-Adjaye, at the African Center for Economic Transformation based in Ghana, explains why much of the country’s food is imported.

Lydia Amenyaglo explains why historically cocoa has not been made into chocolate in Ghana, instead shipped elsewhere to be manufactured. Her family has farmed cocoa for decades, but she’s struggled to start a new business creating cocoa products at home in Ghana.

Ruth hears about the impact of rising food prices on school meals in Ghana. Might Kojo Abreh, at the Institute for Educational Planning and Administration in Ghana, explains the findings from a survey of caterers, schools and students which found that some children are going hungry.

If you would like to get in touch with the show, please email: thefoodchain@bbc.co.uk

Presenter: Ruth Alexander

Producer: Beatrice Pickup

(Image: A woman with a child on her back purchasing food. Credit: Getty Images)