Multiple Vulnerabilities Rise Despite Decline in Severe Food Insecurity – GSS Report

Despite a marginal national decline in severe food insecurity, the number of Ghanaians facing multiple, overlapping vulnerabilities continues to rise, according to new data released by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS).

The data show that the proportion of the population experiencing severe food insecurity declined from 5.1 per cent in the second quarter (Q2) of 2025 to 4.6 per cent in the third quarter (Q3). However, this improvement masks a troubling trend beneath the surface.

In Q3 2025, a total of 227,519 people were simultaneously food insecure, multidimensionally poor, and unemployed. This represents an increase of 19,455 people from the 208,064 recorded in Q2, amounting to a 9.4 per cent rise within a single quarter.

The report highlights that while fewer people may be experiencing the most severe forms of food insecurity overall, a growing segment of the population is becoming trapped in compounded economic and social hardship.

Meanwhile, the number of Ghanaians classified as only food insecure peaked in Q2 2025 at 4,072,199, underscoring the widespread nature of food access challenges even outside cases of extreme vulnerability.

Gender and Geographic Gaps Persist

The GSS data further reveal stark gender and geographic disparities. Severe food insecurity among rural female-headed households peaked at 8.1 per cent, pointing to the disproportionate burden borne by women, particularly those living in rural communities.

These patterns raise concerns about structural inequalities that continue to expose certain groups to heightened risk, despite overall economic improvements.

SDG Targets at Risk

The findings come at a critical time as Ghana intensifies efforts to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal 2: Zero Hunger. Although the country has recorded improvements in macroeconomic performance across key sectors, the report suggests that the gains are not being evenly distributed.

Analysts warn that without targeted and inclusive policy interventions, the growing number of households facing overlapping vulnerabilities could undermine progress in food security, poverty reduction, and the creation of decent livelihoods nationwide.

Call for Targeted Interventions

Speaking at a press briefing in Accra, Government Statistician Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu called for a shift away from broad, uniform policy measures toward more focused solutions.

“Target high-burden regions with tailored food security, agricultural, and market-access solutions instead of one-size-fits-all approaches,” he urged.

The GSS findings reinforce the need for data-driven, localized responses to ensure that national development gains translate into tangible improvements in living conditions for the most vulnerable populations.