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Use multi-dimensional approach to tackle poverty – Prof. Kumi Boateng
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The Dean of the Faculty of Planning and Quality Assurance, at the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) at Tarkwa in the Western Region, Professor Bernard Kumi-Boateng, says a multi-dimen¬sional approach is key to analyse data to tackle Ghana’s poverty divide.
Prof. Kumi-Boateng made the dec¬laration at a lecture at UMaT, on the topic ‘Mapping the poor in Ghana: A geospatial multi-dimensional poverty index approach.’
Prof. Kumi-Boateng said that, accurate data provided a very good platform for planning and implemen¬tation of poverty alleviation pro¬grammes.
He said poverty issues had gained the attention of policymakers, academics and non-governmental or-ganisations, adding that, successive governments, over the years, had developed and implemented sever¬al development policy frameworks for poverty reduction, such as the Ghana Poverty Reduction Strategy 1, School Feeding Programme and the Capitation Grant.
However, he noted that the country was still faced with several poverty-related challenges, includ¬ing high levels of inequality, low human development, and regional disparities.
He said, the most recent data from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) showed there was a decline in poverty levels across the nation, and that, the international poverty rate was estimated at 20.5 per cent of the population in 2022.
He also revealed that in 2023, an estimated 2.9 million people in Gha¬na were living in extreme poverty, majority being male with 1.5 million of the number living on less than 1.9 dollars daily.
“In many developing countries, such as Ghana, the definition of pov ¬erty remains rooted in questionable assumptions, with the use of income as a determinant. It is problematic; it does not provide a full picture of the command of resources that an individual or household possesses,” Prof Kumi-Boateng said.
He explained that, using a multi-faceted approach, could de¬termine the number of children who go to school, people with drinking water, and child mortality, reveal¬ing that, “we have the capability to map them to help policymakers and target areas which are endemic.”
He, therefore, called on the poli¬cymakers not to assume that Accra was rich, because most indicators on overcrowding and drinking water showed “Accra is multi-dimensional¬ly poor.”
He urged policy analysts not to always think about income as the single source to determine those who were poor or rich.
The five northern regions record¬ed the highest poverty incidence ranging from 65 per cent to 80 per cent with poverty head counts (inci¬dence) in Volta Region, also remain¬ing high (52 per cent).
From Clement Adzei Boye, Tarkwa
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Wednesday, August 6, 2026, staged a massive nationwide protest in Accra dubbed “Democracy Under Attack” to register its displeasure over what it describes as threats to Ghana’s democratic governance and justice system.
The demonstration commenced at 5:00 a.m., with hundreds of party supporters, executives and sympathizers gathering at the forecourt of the Supreme Court before marching through principal streets of the capital.
Ahead of the protest, the NPP National Steering Committee directed Regional, Constituency and Polling Station Executives in Greater Accra to work closely to mobilize members and supporters for the event.
Led by General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, the protesters presented their first petition at the Supreme Court.
The five-page petition was received by Judicial Secretary, Musah Ahmed, on behalf of the Chief Justice.
He assured the party leadership that the document would be delivered to the Chief Justice.
At the Jubilee House, Presidential Staffer Nana Yaa Jantuah received the second petition on behalf of the President.
However, the gesture did not sit well with some party leaders.
Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who also presented a petition, expressed disappointment at the government’s representation.
“Electing only Nana Yaa Jantuah to receive the petition on behalf of the government was an insult and did not show respect,” he said.
According to him, “It meant government did not place premium on the Democracy Under Attack demonstration.”
Speeches and Concerns Raised
Addressing the crowd, MP for Akuapem North, Sammy Awuku criticized what he called the criminalization of free speech.
“Arresting citizens for just insults doesn’t strengthen Ghana’s democracy,” he stated.
Dennis Miracles Aboagye, an embattled National Communications Director hopeful, also spoke about the climate of fear.
“Democracy under attack demo: I love to speak but right now I am afraid,” he told journalists.
One protester, a local trader, shared her frustration about the state of Ghana’s economy as she joined the march. She said the rising cost of living and governance issues compelled her to hit the streets.
The NPP leadership expressed appreciation to its members, civil society organizations and other political parties for cooperating fully to ensure a successful and peaceful event.
The “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration forms part of the party’s response to concerns it has raised over issues relating to Ghana’s democratic governance, rule of law and the justice system.
Security was tight but calm throughout the march, with no major incidents reported.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has announced new measures to stop extortion and begging by airport personnel at airports under its management.
The decision was taken at a high-level stakeholder facilitation meeting held in Accra on Wednesday, August 5, 2026.
In a press statement issued after the meeting, GACL said stakeholders agreed to introduce a “mystery shopping” system in which individuals would secretly assess the conduct of airport personnel.
According to the statement, workers found engaging in extortion would be publicly identified through appropriate media channels as part of a “name and shame” campaign aimed at discouraging the practice and promoting accountability.
GACL said staff found guilty would face disciplinary action and would no longer be allowed to work at any airport or within its surroundings.
The company also announced a dedicated hotline, 0542175636, through which passengers can report extortion by airport officials and service providers by phone call, WhatsApp or SMS.
The statement said reports should include the date and time of the incident, the name of the officer, the agency involved and the location where the incident occurred.
GACL said the hotline covers personnel from several agencies and companies operating at the airports, including the Ghana Immigration Service, Customs, the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, the Ghana Police Service, National Security, airlines, ground handling companies, private security firms and airport concessionaires such as shops and restaurants.
The company reminded passengers that they have the right to ask any airport official to show an Airport Identification Card before dealing with them.
It advised travellers to request receipts for all payments made at the airport and to report any suspicious transaction through the hotline.
GACL said it was working together with airport stakeholders to improve standards at the airports and protect Ghana’s image.
The company added that public cooperation in reporting unacceptable conduct would help strengthen confidence in the country’s airports and support efforts to position Ghana as a
leading aviation hub in West Africa.
By: Jacob Aggrey
