Ghana

Early morning in the village of Bayerobon 3. The village is part of the Kuapa Kokoo cocoa farmers' co-operative, Bayerebon 3, Western Region.

Early morning in the village of Bayerobon 3. The village is part of the Kuapa Kokoo cocoa farmers' co-operative, Bayerebon 3, Western Region. © Aubrey Wade (Panos)

In 1957, mineral-rich Ghana was the first African nation to achieve independence. However, soon after it fell victim to corruption and mismanagement. Following a series of coups, the constitution of April 1992 ushered in a new period of democracy, and Ghana has since had five consecutive free-and-fair elections. It is now seen as a model for political and economic reform in Africa.

Cocoa, gold and timber exports are an essential part of Ghana’s economy representing 48% of GDP and 90% of export earnings. Ghana is the world’s second largest producer of cocoa and the discovery of major offshore oil reserves in June 2007 is encouraging expectations of a major economic boost in the coming years.

As a result of 20 years of solid economic growth, Ghana has one of the fastest rates of poverty reduction in Africa although about a quarter of Ghanaians still live below the national poverty line.

The UK is Ghana’s largest bilateral donor,  providing £99 million in 2008/09.

Key facts

Pie chart of aid spending

(Above) Pie chart showing UK bilateral aid spending in Ghana (2008/09)

Total UK bilateral aid received (08/09): £99.5 million
Aid by sector:
Education: 29%
Growth: 28%
Health: 25%
Governance: 14%
Other: 2%
Humanitarian assistance: 1%
Other social services: 1%

Find out more in Key facts: Ghana

Major challenges

DFID’s main priorities in Ghana are:

  • governance
  • health
  • education.

Find out more in Major challenges: Ghana

How We Have Helped

World Book Day: Textbooks for every child

World Book Day: Textbooks for every child

Emilia Okoe is 15 years old and has been attending the local school ‘St Josephs’. Her dream is to become a nurse, so that she can help support her family