Introduction
Ghana is a country with a diverse landscape, a vibrant culture, and a growing economy. However, beneath the surface, there are districts facing significant poverty challenges.
The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has recently released a groundbreaking report highlighting the extent of multidimensional poverty in the country.
In this article, we will delve into the data presented in the report to explore the districts with the highest poverty rates in Ghana.
By understanding the factors contributing to poverty in these districts, we can work towards implementing targeted interventions and policies to uplift the affected communities.
Understanding Multidimensional Poverty
Before we delve into the districts with the highest poverty rates, let’s first grasp the concept of multidimensional poverty. The GSS measures poverty across three domains: living conditions, education, and health. Within these domains, various factors are considered, including access to basic amenities, educational attainment, and healthcare coverage. It is through this multidimensional lens that we can gain a comprehensive understanding of poverty in Ghana.
“Multidimensional poverty measures deprivation in the following domains: living conditions (electricity, housing, assets, overcrowding, cooking fuel, water, and toilet facility); education (attendance, attainment, and school lag), and health (insurance coverage and mortality).” – Ghana Statistical Service
Districts with the Highest Poverty Rates
According to the GSS report, out of the 261 districts in Ghana, 50 districts have more than half of their household population living in multidimensionally poor conditions. The district with the highest poverty rate is Nkwanta North in the Oti Region, with a staggering poverty rate of 79.7%. This rate is more than twice the national poverty rate of 29.9%. Joining Nkwanta North in the top three districts with the highest poverty rates are North East Gonja in Savannah (77.7%) and Sekyere Afram Plains in Ashanti (75.3%).
It is worth noting that three of the top ten districts with the highest poverty rates are located in the Northern Region. Additionally, both the North East and Oti regions have two districts each in the top ten. Nanumba North and Gusheigu municipalities, both situated in the Northern Region, stand out as the only districts with over 100,000 individuals living in multidimensionally poor households.
Regional Disparities in Poverty
The GSS report reveals notable regional disparities in poverty rates across Ghana. The Northern Region emerges as a region heavily affected by poverty, with four out of the ten districts with the largest population living in poverty. Oti and Savannah regions also have two districts each in the top ten. On the other hand, the Eastern Region boasts the New Juaben South Municipal, which has the lowest poverty rate in the country at 4.8%. Furthermore, six out of the ten districts with the lowest poverty rates are situated in the Greater Accra region.
Addressing Poverty: Dignity for All in Practice
The release of the Multidimensional Poverty District League Table by the GSS coincides with the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. This year, the theme is “Dignity for All in Practice.” The report serves as a call to action for policymakers, organizations, and individuals to redouble their efforts in combating poverty and promoting dignity for all Ghanaians.
Conclusion
The multidimensional poverty analysis conducted by the Ghana Statistical Service sheds light on the districts in Ghana facing significant poverty challenges. By understanding the specific factors contributing to poverty in these districts, we can develop targeted strategies to uplift the affected communities.
It is crucial that we work together, with a focus on “Dignity for All in Practice,” to eradicate poverty and create a brighter future for all Ghanaians.
