The number of Ghanaians facing food insecurity rose by 7.3% between the first and last quarters of 2024, according to new data released by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS).
The report indicates that the population experiencing food insecurity defined as limited access to adequate and nutritious food increased from 12.4 million in the first quarter to 13.3 million by the end of 2024.
The GSS said the trend underscores growing pressure on household food systems despite ongoing government and development interventions.
Regional disparities persist
The Volta Region recorded the highest incidence of food insecurity at 52% in the fourth quarter of 2024, up slightly from 51.5% earlier in the year.
In Greater Accra, food insecurity rose sharply from 20.2% to 29% over the same period, highlighting the increasing vulnerability of urban households.
Gender and child nutrition concerns
The report also points to widening gender disparities in food access. Food insecurity among female-headed households rose from 40.4% to 44%, compared to 37.1% among male-headed households, maintaining a seven-point gap.
The GSS further linked food insecurity to poor child nutrition and poverty, noting that the proportion of households with underweight children under five increased from 38% to 44.9%.
Additionally, the number of Ghanaians who are both food insecure and multi-dimensionally poor grew by 400,000, reaching 4.1 million by the end of 2024.
Call to action
The GSS is urging coordinated, data-driven policies to combat hunger, promote climate-resilient agriculture, and ensure equitable access to nutritious food in line with Sustainable Development Goal 2 — Zero Hunger.
