Ghana is known for its cocoa and gold, for its tropical climate and for its peace keeping role among west African countries. Its economy is growing and it has recently been elevated to ‘middle income’ status, but levels of inequality appear to be increasing and just under seven million people live below $1.25 a day.
Environment: recurrent drought in northern Ghana severely affects agricultural activities and livelihoods. Deforestation, overgrazing and soil erosion can aggravate this situation.
Inequality: those in rural areas and women are underrepresented in the political systems and often their needs aren’t addressed. Small-scale agriculture has been affected by tariff liberalisation and cheap exports; local producers and industries lack protection and support.
Conflict: the 1994-95 land disputes in the north erupted into ethnic violence, resulting in the deaths of 1,000 people and the displacement of a further 150,000. There continues to be a high number of chieftaincy and interethnic conflicts in the north.
Our work
Helping local partners promote transparent and accountable governance lies at the heart of Christian Aid’s work in Ghana.
Our partners
Through SEND Ghana and the Institute of Democratic Governance, Christian Aid helps citizens to monitor and improve the delivery of government initiatives such as the Ghana School Feeding Programme, ensuring those most in need benefit.
We support local small-scale farmers to advocate for changes in agricultural policy and trading conditions.
Through lobbying work with and through networks such as the Ghana Trades and Livelihoods Coalition, hundreds of farmers across the country are able to negotiate better services and contracts from the government and companies, improving their ability to provide for themselves and their families.
Through GHANEP, Christian Aid is strengthening communities’ roles in preventing conflict. GHANEP has developed and implemented a national early warning system to alert citizens to potential violent situations and help them to prevent conflict in their communities. This includes an SMS hotline and toll-free numbers that citizens can use to get help and advice
GAWE and the Institute of Taxation promote an equitable and transparent tax system in Ghana. Focusing on issues such as the role of tax incentives in Ghana’s development process and the enforcement of transfer pricing legislation, we are making the links between taxation and good governance visible, and fostering conversations and actions that will lead to change.
What you can do
• Help us continue our work in Ghana and around the world by donating.
• Help us eradicate poverty and injustice by taking action
Further content
• Watch a film about the work of SEND Ghana ensuring access to free school meals.
• Watch a video of our partners’ work challenging poverty through trade in Ghana.
• Read about our partner SEND-Ghana winning ONE Africa award.
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