I Haven’t Said Ghana’s Poverty Level Is Better Than US – Dep. Minister Clarifies

Deputy Minister for Local Government, Vincent Ekow Assafuah has clarified a comment associated with him that the poverty levels of Ghana are far better than the United States’.

According to a publication on 3FM, the Deputy Minister in an interview with Johnnie Hughes claimed that per the Ghana Statistical Service’s (GSS) report, the poverty levels have reduced to 11.7 percent from 22.5 percent in 2020.

He attributed this figure to government’s policies, stating “in 2020, it was 22.5%. Today, because of government’s intervention, policies and projects, it has reduced from 22.5% to 11.7% and you think that government have not done anything? This is according to the Ghana Statistical Service”.

“I am not saying that there is no poverty but there has been a decrement with respect the number of people who have been living in poverty from 2020 and 2024…GSS have been able to create the impression for every Ghanaian to know that indeed over the period as far as government’s intervention and policies are concerned has been able to help us reduce our poverty levels”, he stated.

He stressed; “Trust me the poverty levels we have in Ghana is far better than what we have in the US.”

But Hon. Vincent Ekow has refuted the claims linked to him.

Speaking to Kwami Sefa Kayi on Peace FM’s “Kokrokoo” morning show, the Deputy Minister cleared the air saying what he meant was “there is poverty everywhere…and we are not the ones saying it; the data supports it”.

He disclosed there is about 37.5 million people in United States living in poverty, asserting that this “number is even higher the population of the total population in Ghana. This is data. This is true; you cannot do anything about it”.

Source: Ghmessenger.com