The recent Multi-Dimensional Poverty Index (MPI) report has sparked significant public concern and debate, with numerous citizens questioning the effectiveness of the government’s pro-poor policies and social intervention programs.
The report, which scrutinises health, living standards, education, and employment, revealed that approximately 7.3 million Ghanaians, constituting 24.3% of the household population, are multi-dimensionally poor.
Again, it highlighted that 43.8% of these individuals experience severe poverty, suffering from multiple deprivations simultaneously.
Dr. Kwame Asiedu Sarpong, Democracy and Development Fellow at the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) expressed astonishment and disappointment over these findings.
He was particularly dismayed by the fact that, despite substantial investments in the government’s flagship programs, a significant portion of the population remains entrenched in poverty.
Questioning Government Policies
Dr Sarpong highlighted a stark contradiction between the government’s proclaimed successes and the grim reality reflected in the Multi-Dimensional Poverty Index (MPI) report.
He questioned why, after extensive investment in initiatives like the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy and the expansion of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), many Ghanaians still lack access to basic necessities such as education, healthcare, and employment.
According to him, the situation infers that these individuals are living below the international poverty line of $2.15 per day, equating to GH₵34 per day.
“If 24% of Ghana’s population is multi-dimensionally poor, and the poverty line is defined as less than $2.15 a day, the calculation in Ghana cedis is GHS 34.00 per day”.
Dr Kwame Asiedu Sarpong, Democracy and Development Fellow at the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana)
This statistic, he argued, is an indictment of the government’s strategies, indicating that programs like Planting for Food and Jobs and the NHIS expansion have not effectively mitigated poverty.
The Ghana Centre for Democratic Development Fellow, in his scathing critique, questioned the tangible outcomes of the Planting for Food and Jobs program, asking where the jobs that were promised are.
He also challenged the government’s claims about the NHIS expansion, expressing scepticism about the actual improvement in access to healthcare.
“24% of our population have no access to education after 8 years of Free SHS. So you ask yourself, the Planting for Food and Jobs program we have invested so much in, where are the jobs it created? As for the NHIS, they claim it has been expanded so access has been improved, but is that really true?”
Dr Kwame Asiedu Sarpong, Democracy and Development Fellow at the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana)
A Nation at a Crossroads
Reflecting on Ghana’s trajectory since independence, Dr. Sarpong expressed grave concern that the country is on the brink of becoming a “failed state”.
He contended that Ghana’s leaders have not facilitated the country’s evolution but have instead exploited its people, leading to persistent poverty despite decades of independence.
“I would agree with anyone who says Ghana is becoming a failed state. Our leaders have not allowed us to evolve, and in doing so, they exploit us. That is why, even after many years of independence, 24% of our population still lives in poverty”.
Dr Kwame Asiedu Sarpong, Democracy and Development Fellow at the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana)
Dr. Sarpong also lamented the intellectual stagnation resulting from the historical banning of the country’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah books following the coup against him.
He posited that the suppression of intellectual discourse has hindered critical conversations about industrialization and poverty alleviation, essential for national progress.
“Sometimes I feel sad. Even though I strongly disagree with some of Kwame Nkrumah’s writings, I cannot fault him for the quality of his intellectual dexterity. What came to people’s minds when they became President after Nkrumah’s overthrow, to ban his books? That’s part of our problems because if you do so, you’ve suppressed intellectual debate”.
Dr Kwame Asiedu Sarpong, Democracy and Development Fellow at the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana)
He emphasized the importance of fostering intellectual debate and dialogue to drive societal evolution and education, suggesting that a more open discussion could have propelled industrialization efforts and more effective poverty reduction strategies.
Given the above, it is therefore imperative that the government adopt sustainable measures to address the alarming poverty rate in the country, particularly improved investments in education and healthcare, especially in rural and deprived communities.
By prioritizing these sectors, the government can create a more equitable and prosperous society.
Addressing the multi-dimensional poverty crisis requires a comprehensive approach that goes beyond temporary fixes. It necessitates a commitment to long-term investments in human capital, infrastructure, and economic opportunities.
It is only through such dedicated efforts that Ghana can reduce its poverty rate and ensure a better future for all its citizens.
READ ALSO: BoG Permits Banks with Strong Capital Positions to Pay Interim Dividends
