A Senior Research Associate at IMANI, Dennis Asare, has revealed that more than 40% of Ghanaians are experiencing multi-dimensional poverty.
He made this statement during the IMANIFesto event on November 5, 2024, where he addressed the significant socio-economic challenges facing the country. He expressed deep concern about widespread poverty impacting many citizens, who are enduring serious hardships.
He noted that global governance indicators have shown a steady decline over the past seven to eight years. Specifically, he pointed out the Corruption Perceptions Index, which indicates a notable decrease in Ghana’s scores, now falling below previously established levels.
He explained that the current state of development places Ghana at a critical crossroads, grappling with pervasive public sector corruption. He also discussed the World Economic Freedom Index, which reveals a reduction in economic freedom within the country, signifying increasing restrictions on individual rights and business operations.
Mr. Asare referenced the Worldwide Governance Indicators from the World Bank, which assess aspects such as government effectiveness, regulatory quality, and control of corruption. While perceptions of government effectiveness might appear relatively positive, he argued that the underlying issues of weak corruption controls and ineffective regulations have significantly hindered public service delivery.
Recent data from Afrobarometer, according to Mr. Asare, show a troubling trend of rapidly eroding public trust in the government. He pointed out that this growing distrust presents considerable challenges for Ghana’s future development as citizens become increasingly disillusioned with their leaders.
In light of these insights, Mr. Asare emphasized the urgent need for political party manifestos to truly reflect the realities faced by Ghanaians. He called on political leaders to offer practical, actionable solutions that address the interconnected issues of poverty and corruption, stressing that restoring public trust is crucial for the country’s sustainable development.