POVERTY INCREASING AGAIN IN GHANA

The. Centre for Truth and Social Justice is urging the Ghanaian fl Government to do more to reduce poverty in the country .especially among the youth, women and children who are the most vulnerable groups. The Centre makes this assertion due to the increasing levels of poverty in the northern part of the country and other areas in Ghana.

Poverty and lack of social amenities are a barrier to national development. The Centre believes resources must be invested in jobs, housing, health facilities and schools and not wasted on unscrupulous projects and wasteful ventures.

Research by the Centre reveals the following percentages of the levels of Poverty since 2007.

Region 2007 2010 levels
Volta Region 53% 60% +7
Greater Accra Region 35% 45% +10
Eastern Region 45% 55% +10
Western Region 60% 65% +5
Central Region 51% 60%' +9
Upper West Region 70 % 80% +10
Ashanti Region 40% 45% +5
Upper East Region 70% 75% +5
Brong Ahafo Region 550/0 55% 0
Northern Region 60% 65% +5

The Centre believes that the current government can save the Ghanaian Taxpayer at least 200 million dollars a year if they

a. Invest in Sanitation infrastructure and recycling plants to support industry.

b. End wasteful and grandiose projects that serve as a conduit for diversion of public funds into the pockets of corrupt individuals and invest in more social programmes.

c. Shut down public bodies and commissions that actually do not engage in any productive venture but rather encourage pen .. pushing and white collar laziness.

The 'centre believes that Ministers should come out with bold and innovative action plans that encourage efficiency and delivery of governmen~ policies and government programmes. Such programmes must concentrate more on job training and supporting job creation, how to access credit, health delivery , decent education and access to technology to prepare the future generations to compete and develop the country to meet the challenges of the future.

Dr Rufai Ibrahim Alhassan MA
Executive Director