Our work in Ghana
Our work supports efforts to expand the tax base, ensure a fairer distribution of the country’s resources, strengthen access to free quality education – particularly for vulnerable girls – and contribute to peacebuilding in northern Ghana, which is affected by conflict.
Photo: Nana Kofi Acquah/Oxfam
46 percent of the participants
in our youth network promoting tax justice are girls
62 districts
now have girl’s schools inspired by Oxfam Denmark’ Girls Model Schools
110 clubs for children
have been created with the aim of promoting gender equality
210 volunteers
have been trained in helping victims of gender based violence
Ghana is a relatively peaceful and well-functioning democracy in West Africa. However, the country faces significant challenges, including pronounced economic and gender inequality and a substantial national debt that consumes around half of its income.
Oxfam Denmark works to broaden the tax base and promote a fairer distribution of the country’s resources, while strengthening access to free, quality education—particularly for vulnerable girls. We also support peacebuilding efforts in northern Ghana, a region affected by recurring conflict.
Building Equality and Peace in Ghana
Our initiatives include developing quality education standards, expanding vocational training, and equipping young people with the skills needed for a green transition. Climate change is placing increasing pressure on natural resources in northern Ghana, fueling tensions between farmers and nomadic herders. To address this, we help establish and strengthen peace committees with active participation from women and youth, fostering dialogue and creating the conditions for peaceful coexistence.
We are not only all responsible for each other’s security. We are also, in some measure, responsible for each other’s welfare. Global solidarity is both necessary and possible. It is necessary because without a measure of solidarity no society can be truly stable, and no one’s prosperity truly secure.
Kofi Atta Annan
Ghanaian diplomat, secretary-general of the United Nations from 1997 to 2006 and recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2001
We support civil society and the media in cooperating to make a more efficient and fair tax base. We support systems for digital tax recovery – something that has proven promising. An important part of tax justice is also advocacy for methods that focuses on how tax funds can be most effectively recovered and publications on how taxation on the wealthy can be increased to create greater economic equality.
Finally, we fight to reduce gender-based violence against girls and women. We do this by strengthening legislation and changing social norms. This is achieved by strengthening the cooperation between authorities and civil society, making sure cases are reported and data is collected so perpetrators can be prosecuted. In addition, we provide protection for victims of violence as well as psychosocial support and giving young victims a more stable transition to adulthood.
Our goals in Ghana
- To combat gender-based violence and promote a greater representation of women and youth in democratic forums
- To increase the tax base and improve public service – especially for the poorest and most vulnerable
- To develop green policies and solutions to reduce climate change and its effect on the local population
- To promote quality education for all, including vocational education, especially for girls and women
Support the Fight for an Equal Future
You can support Oxfam Denmark’s work around the world – including in Ghana – by becoming a regular donor or making a one-time contribution.
Facts about Ghana
- Ghana is located in West Africa, has English as its official language and a population of 32 million
- Ghana is a middle-income country and is relatively more prosperous than most of its neighboring countries, but it still suffers from a high economic and social inequality
- The country’s income comes mainly from the export of oil, gold, and other minerals as well as cocoa – unfortunately the economy is burdened by a large debt
- Ghana was originally known as the Gold Coast, a colony with high activity also in the slave trade. Something Denmark was closely involved with
Our work in Ghana and West Africa
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DANIDA, Project
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