The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has launched its first comprehensive annual report on inflation, a move aimed at strengthening economic analysis and promoting evidence-based policymaking.

Dubbed the 2025 Annual Inflation Report, the maiden publication is on the theme: ‘Advancing Dialogue on Economic and Price Stability.’

It marks a shift from routine monthly inflation updates to a more detailed, structured yearly assessment of price movements and their broader implications for the economy. Going forward, the GSS will publish annual inflation reports.

Speaking at the launch in Accra last Thursday, Deputy Minister of Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to using credible data to guide national decision-making.

He said the report would serve as a vital bridge between data and policy, helping authorities better understand inflation dynamics and respond effectively.

He explained that the report simplifies complex price trends across key sectors such as food, transport and energy, while also examining structural and external factors, including exchange rate fluctuations.

According to him, access to such insights would support targeted interventions in areas such as supply chains, energy pricing and fiscal management.

“In today’s global economy, success depends not on the volume of data, but on how effectively it is used,” he said, adding that the report would empower government, businesses and citizens to make informed decisions.

Mr Ampem also highlighted ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Finance to maintain fiscal discipline, improve revenue mobilisation and promote private sector growth.

The First Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Zakari Mumuni, described inflation as a key indicator guiding monetary policy decisions.

He said the report provides deeper insights that enable policymakers to distinguish between temporary and persistent inflationary pressures.

He noted that inflation in 2025 was driven by a mix of domestic and external factors, including exchange rate movements, food prices and global commodity trends. Such analysis, he added, would strengthen policy coordination and enhance transparency in economic management.

The Government Statistician, Alhassan Iddrisu, noted that the report goes beyond presenting figures to telling a complete story about price developments and their impact on livelihoods.

He disclosed that inflation declined sharply from 33.5 per cent in January 2025 to 5.4 per cent in December 2025, marking 12 consecutive months of decline.

However, he cautioned that lower inflation does not necessarily mean lower prices, as many households continue to face a high cost of living.

Moreover, he identified food prices as the main driver, accounting for more than half of total inflation, with domestic factors contributing nearly three-quarters of the overall trend.

Chairman of the GSS Governing Board, Anthony Yaw Baah, urged stakeholders to actively use the data, stressing that evidence-based decision-making is essential for sustainable development.