Ghana’s economic progress over the last 20 years has been laudable. Economic growth is averaging more than six percent each year and the country is among the few in Sub-Saharan Africa expected to meet the Millennium Development Goal of halving the poverty rate by 2015. However, despite significant growth and improvements in the quality of life, Ghana still faces persistent development challenges that need to be resolved in order to emerge as a true middle-income country.
In mid-2012, USAID joined other donors in signing the Government of Ghana/Development Partners Compact “Leveraging Partnership for Shared Growth and Development, 2012-2022.” Under the auspices of Ghana’s Shared Growth and Development Agenda (2010-2013) and Ghana’s Aid Policy and Strategy (2011-2015), this Compact outlines the joint priorities of the Government of Ghana and its development partners. By applying selectivity and focus, USAID defined a results oriented strategy that is closely aligned with the development priorities outlined in the Compact and other key government sector plans. This strategy demonstrates USAID’s commitment to support the Government of Ghana as it realizes its goal to become an established middle-income country by 2022 – an ambitious but achievable goal that reflects the aspirations of the people of Ghana.