Ghana Detailed Profile
Background
Ghana is the closest landmark to the centre of the world, according to UNIDO’s website. Located on the West African coast, Ghana has been described as an “island of peace and stability” in a sub-region wracked by recent conflicts.
The country’s political stability has made way for steady economic growth in the past decade. Poverty has fallen from 52 percent in 1991/92 to 28 percent in 2005/06 (Ghana Living Standards Survey 2005/06).
Ghana seeks to attain middle income status by 2015. This calls for increasing average annual income from $670 to $1,000 per person.
History and Politics
Independence
Ghana attained independence from British rule in March 1957 and became the first sub-Saharan country in colonial Africa to become independent.
Military Rule
Seven years after independence, Ghana experienced its first coup d’état. That began a cycle of brief periods of civilian rule interrupted by military regimes from 1966-1992.
Return to Democracy
A referendum in April 1992 returned the nation to a multiparty and constitutional government.
Growing Democracy
Ghana has held five free elections since 1992. Abundant signs of deepening democracy include:
- Vocal criticisms of government policy and demands for accountability from numerous sections of society
- Free press and thriving media
- Active opposition political parties
- Growing activism among civil society groups
- FM radio stations and call-in programs offer an avenue for ordinary citizens all over the country to freely express their views.
Development and Economy
- Development partners like IMF, World Bank, UNDP and other donors praise Ghana’s determination to stabilise the economy and implement the IMF-approved Poverty Reduction Strategy.
- The country receives debt relief under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative.
- In 2006 Ghana received a $540 million grant from Millennium Challenge Corporation to transform the agricultural export sector.
Development Challenges
Despite progress, Ghana still faces significant development hurdles, particularly in urban slums, rural areas and the three northern regions:
- High illiteracy rates is one of the most critical problems the country faces.
- Low access to basic essential services like water and sanitation, adequate health facilities, quality basic education.
- Energy - providing a continuous electricity supply.
- Institutional reform continues to present a challenge. Long standing reform of the public sector is yet to be completed. Inadequate resources for institutions such as parliament and local government limit their effectiveness.
