Multidimensional Poverty Down in 250 Ghanaian Districts, New Statistical Service Data Reveals

ACCRA — The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has launched the District-Level Multidimensional Poverty Incidence and Ranking Factsheets, providing comparable multidimensional poverty estimates for all 261 districts in the country spanning from 2021 to 2025.

Speaking at the launch in Accra on Monday, May 18, Government Statistician Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu highlighted that this marks the first time in Ghana’s history that such localized, multi-year data is available, representing a significant advancement for local development and evidence-based planning.

The report establishes that poverty extends beyond financial metrics.

“It is also about access to education, healthcare, decent housing, jobs, clean water, sanitation, and opportunities,” Dr. Iddrisu said.

The data indicates overall national progress alongside significant disparities among individual districts. Between 2021 and 2025, multidimensional poverty decreased in 250 out of the 261 districts.

According to the factsheets, Wa West achieved the most significant improvement during this period. Conversely, Yunyoo Nasuan registered the highest poverty incidence in 2025 at 51.6%, while Ayawaso North Municipal recorded the lowest at 5.5%.

Dr. Iddrisu emphasized that the data is intended to drive targeted developmental interventions rather than create negative perceptions of specific areas.

“The message from today’s launch was clear: the rankings must guide action, not stigma,” Dr. Iddrisu said. “The findings should inform planning, DACF allocations, social protection, infrastructure investment, education, healthcare, and job creation.”

He concluded with a call to action for policymakers to utilize the newly available data.

“Let us use the evidence to reduce inequalities and ensure that no district and no community is left behind,” Dr. Iddrisu said.