Fighting Poverty in Ghana

Facts about Ghana

Ghana is considered one of the more stable countries in West Africa since its transition to multi-party democracy. Gold, cocoa and oil are the backbone Ghana’s economy and have helped fuel an economic boom. Despite this, nearly a quarter of its citizens remain in poverty.

Ghana, along with much of sub-Saharan Africa, is on the verge of a crisis. By 2035, the International Monetary Fund estimates the number of Africans joining the working age population will exceed the rest of the world combined. To fill this surge, 18 million new jobs will have to be created each year for the next 20 years across sub-Saharan Africa. In the meantime, Ghanaians rely on the informal sector for a chance to earn a living. In addition, access to basic services, like energy, water and sanitation, education, health care and agriculture, is often inadequate.

When poor people have access to financial services and life-enhancing products, they can earn more, build their assets, create jobs and cushion themselves against external shocks. FINCA is helping Ghanaians improve their lives by supporting access to basic services through FINCA Ventures.