Ghana’s multidimensional poverty rate declines for third consecutive quarter

Ghana’s multidimensional poverty rate has declined for the third consecutive quarter, according to the latest data released by the Ghana Statistical Service, signaling gradual but sustained improvements in living conditions across the country. The report shows that the rate fell from 23.9 per cent in the first quarter of 2025 to 21.9 per cent by the third quarter, continuing a downward trend that reflects progress in addressing non-income dimensions of poverty.

The Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) assesses deprivation beyond income levels, capturing indicators related to health, education, housing, sanitation, access to utilities and employment. The latest figures suggest that nearly one million Ghanaians exited multidimensional poverty within a year, highlighting improvements in access to basic services and overall well-being.
Despite the encouraging trend, the report notes that the core drivers of poverty have remained largely unchanged. Households headed by individuals with little or no formal education continue to experience significantly higher levels of deprivation, underscoring the strong link between education and poverty reduction outcomes. Vulnerable populations remain disproportionately affected, even as national indicators improve.

The data also points to persistent regional and rural-urban disparities, with some areas of the country recording much higher poverty rates than others. These inequalities indicate that while progress is being made at the national level, targeted interventions are still required to address structural and geographic gaps in access to opportunities and essential services.

Officials and analysts have described the sustained decline as a positive development, while cautioning that continued progress will depend on policies that prioritize inclusive growth, education, healthcare access and improved living conditions for underserved communities. The findings reinforce the need for long-term strategies aimed at reducing inequality and strengthening human development across Ghana.