Ghana
Introduction to
Despite political stability, and economic resources, the progress of
rebuilding the economy has been a long one. The country remains
heavily dependent on international assistance, both financially and
technically. Roughly half of Ghana’s population lives in extreme
poverty, on less than $1 per day. As much as 79% of its population
is classified as living in moderate poverty on less than $3 per day.
Even with the docile political climate and efforts at improving the
economy; poverty, disease and the lack of healthcare are major
challenges for Ghana. HIV/AIDS has completely devastated entire
families. Childhood mortality is acute with 1 out of 20 children
dying before their first birthday, and 1 in 10 before they reach the
age of 5. Preventable diseases such as diarrhea continue to be one
of the five main causes of children’s deaths in Ghana.
AFH has spent a significant amount of time in Ghana over the past 5
years, witnessing first-hand the effects of poverty, illness and
lack of basic opportunity. AFH has received status as a
Non-Governmental Organization in Ghana, having NGO status has
allowed us to now take on a more formal role and create trusted
partnerships with other organizations. With this status we are able
to work in tandem with other NGO’s as well as government agencies,
to ensure that our funds and our efforts are effectively used.
The people of Ghana depend on local rivers and streams; using this
water for washing, bathing and drinking. They share it, of course,
with their local wildlife. The water is rarely treated or boiled,
creating a cycle of illness. Untreated water causes infestations of
parasitic worms which deplete children of the little nutrition they
receive. The water is also the cause of dysentery, cholera and many
other diseases including water-borne blindness. By investing in
clean drinking water, sanitation and disease prevention we can
reduce illness and mortality rates.
When we started AFH we came away from Ghana very early on in with a
thorough respect for the need not to assist Ghanaian orphanages in
maintaining the status quo. We were thrilled to find out that our
assessment is in line with the objectives of the Department of
Social Welfare. Through the DSW Care Reform Initiative which
supports the closing of orphanages, and promotes kinship care and
fostering - a message we carry with us as we work in the villages
and communities. In Ghana's Volta region we are most focused on the
need to educate children, families and communities on the importance
of clean drinking water, sanitation and overall health and total
well being. It is our experience that very little is required to
make a significant positive impact and the scenarios we have
encountered vary, along with the needs of those we aim to assist.