Ghana

Despite its abundant mineral resources, economic advancement has been hampered by periods of military rule and several coups. Nevertheless by regional standards Ghana enjoys relative political and economical stability, and is the world’s second largest producer of cocoa. However many people still live in poverty with nearly half the population living on less than $1 a day.

The most crucial issue affecting children’s development in Ghana is the lack of access to adequate education, particularly in rural areas. Serious childhood diseases also remain prevalent especially in the rural north of the country, including malaria, acute respiratory infections, diarrhoea, malnutrition and measles.

The high prevalence of HIV/AIDS, poor access to clean water and sanitation, low income of families and child rights abuses greatly impact on children’s life chances. 

Some of the reasons why Plan works in Ghana

• One in every nine children dies before reaching the age of five
• 30% of all children under five years old suffer from stunted growth due to poor nutrition
• 40% of all children do not attend primary school
• Over half the rural population do not have access to adequate sanitation facilities