Ghana’s multidimensional poverty rate has dropped from 24.3 percent to 23.0 percent in 2025. The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) released these figures in its latest District-Level Multidimensional Poverty Estimates and Ranking Report.
This decline means about 10,000 people were lifted out of multidimensional poverty between 2024 and 2025. Improvements occurred in 250 of the country’s 261 districts. Multidimensional poverty measures deprivations beyond just income. It includes factors like poor health, lack of education, and unsafe housing.
This progress aligns with Ghana's broader economic narrative of recovery. The country is moving beyond the 2022 economic crisis. The government’s focus is now on inclusive growth and social transformation. The report uses data from the 2021 Population and Housing Census and other surveys. These surveys cover 13 key well-being indicators. This makes the report a crucial tool for understanding local economic realities.
Deputy Minister of Finance, Mr. Thomas Nyarko Ampem, spoke at the report's launch in Accra. He stated these findings provide essential data for the government. This data helps target interventions and distribute resources fairly. He emphasized that local policy responses are needed, not a one-size-fits-all approach. For example, access to decent toilet facilities remains a major challenge in some areas.
The report's findings will strengthen evidence-based policymaking. They will also improve district-level planning and poverty targeting efforts. Each district faces unique challenges. Therefore, local assemblies need flexibility to use resources for their most urgent needs. The government will support the GSS in discussing fiscal decentralisation with all 16 regions.
Six districts in the North East Region recorded the highest poverty incidence. This highlights significant regional disparities. The district with the highest multidimensional poverty incidence in 2025 was 51.6 percent. In contrast, Ayawaso North Municipal in Greater Accra had the lowest, at 5.5 percent. This stark difference shows the varied levels of development across Ghana.
Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu, the Government Statistician, called the report historic. It is the first time Ghana has consistent multidimensional poverty estimates for all districts over several years. He urged policymakers, Parliament, and local assemblies to use the report effectively. This will guide resource allocation and interventions in deprived communities. Understanding these granular details is vital for Ghana's long-term economic stability and equitable development.
Individual poverty fact sheets for all 261 districts will be available on the GSS website. This will promote transparency and accountability. The Majority and Minority Leaders of Parliament commended the GSS for this initiative. They agreed it would enhance evidence-based planning. This detailed data will help Ghana accelerate its journey towards reducing poverty for all its citizens.