The latest Ghana Multidimensional Poverty Report, published by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), has revealed a concerning landscape of poverty across the country.
The report shows that 7.3 million Ghanaians, representing 24.3% of the household population, are multidimensionally poor.
This type of poverty measures deprivation across several dimensions, including education, health, and living standards. Among these individuals, 43.8% are experiencing severe poverty.
Multidimensional poverty affects a significant portion of the rural population, with 36.7% of rural residents falling below the poverty threshold.
The severity of poverty is nearly identical between rural (44.0%) and urban (43.4%) areas, indicating widespread deprivation regardless of geographical location.
The report highlights significant regional disparities in poverty levels. The Savannah Region stands out with the highest proportion of multidimensionally poor households, at 49.5%, nearly double the national average of 24.3%.
Despite this, the Ashanti Region has the largest number of multidimensionally poor individuals, totaling 959,031.
The Multidimensional Poverty report shows that nine regions exhibit alarming poverty levels, with over a quarter of their populations facing multiple deprivations. These regions include:
– Savannah: 49.5%
– North East: 48.1%
– Upper East: 43.0%
– Oti: 40.8%
– Northern: 38.4%
– Upper West: 37.4%
– Volta: 27.3%
– Western North: 27.0%
– Western: 25.7%
The findings of the Ghana Multidimensional Poverty Report underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to address the root causes of multidimensional poverty.
Enhancing educational opportunities, improving living conditions, and creating sustainable employment are crucial for alleviating poverty and fostering equitable development across Ghana.