Documentos de Académico
Documentos de Profesional
Documentos de Cultura
U n i v e r s i t y o f N o r t h T e x a s | S p r i n g 2 0 1 2
Abstract
Propelled by foreign aid, investment, and counsel, Ghana steadily moves
toward increased social development and economic growth by fostering
efficient sustainable agricultural practices, education, gender equity, and the
expansion of its infrastructure. Although Ghana currently maintains an
approximate 11% unemployment rate, as the economy continues to mature,
debt may be reduced and more government spending may be directed
toward supporting programs that nurture and sustain social improvements.
Background
Ghana, located in West Africa, is nestled between Cte dIvoire, Togo,
and Burkina Faso, and is bordered by the Gulf of Guinea. Historically, Ghana
has consisted of several independent kingdoms, including:
Gonja,
Dagomba, Asante, and Fante. The Fante depended upon the British for
protection from the Asante. In 1872, the British purchased Elmina Castle, a
Dutch fort, which stripped the Asante of their only access to the sea for
trade. This then prompted an attack in 1873 by the Asante in an attempt to
re-establish trade on the Guinea coast. In 1874, allied with the Fante
states, the British defeated the Asante in order to suppress any further
invasions (Britain and the Gold Coast).
After having gained its independence in 1957, Ghana, still upholding a
decentralized government, aspired to secure improvements in its economy
and the quality of life of its people. Through government policies, local
programs, and foreign initiatives, Ghana strives for both economic growth
and development. Through international and domestic cooperation, Ghana
hopes to break the vicious cycle to which most Less Developed Countries
find themselves, seeking a better standard of living for its people.
At the turn of its independence, Ghana showed promise in achieving
these aspirations as it had significant natural resources, such as gold and
Introduction
The growth in the supply of Ghanaian fruits and vegetables has been
quite beneficial as it has provided food for local consumption, and, thanks to
high yields, has also allowed for exportation to foreign markets. This food
surplus is notable as many Less Developed Countries are burdened with the
expense of importing foodstuffs or become dependent on donated food
supplies in the form of foreign aid; and many others are burdened with the
necessity of subsistence farming which tends to restrict individuals,
especially women, from acquiring education and paid work. Thanks to the
shift from subsistence farming to paid work, the Ghanaian labor force has
become more mixed. See Figure 2 on page 10. Some Ghanaians, however,
still rely upon subsistence agriculture due to insufficient means to acquire
the readily available food sources (Ghanas Story).
Conclusion
Armed with a dense presence of foreign aid and investment, and
backed by natural resources, Ghana can continue to expand its economic
growth and reduce its current debt. Through investment of human capital
via education and gender equity, continued social development can be
achieved as well. Development policies also play a vital role in the future of
(Ghanas Story)
Labor
Force
agriculture
industry
services
Works Cited
Africa :: Ghana. <https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-worldfactbook/geos/gh.html>.
African Green Revolution Forum 2012.
<http://www.agrforum.com/node/92>.
Akosah-Sarpong, Kofi. "Ghana: Economic Surge, But Inequality On The
Rise." 18 June 2011.
African Herald Express.
<http://africanheraldexpress.com/blog7/2011/06/18/ghana-economicsurge-but-inequality-on-the-rise/>.
Agriculture and Conumer Protection Department. "Food and Agriculture
Organization of the United Nations. <http://www.fao.org/ag/portal/agarchive/detail/en/item/82303/icode/?no_cache=1>.
Ashgate. Globalization and Thrid World Women: Exploitation, Coping and
Resistance. Ed. Ligaya Lindio-McGovern and Isidor Wallimann. 2009.
Britain and the Gold Coast: the Early Years.
<http://countrystudies.us/ghana/7.htm>.
Diao, Xinshen. "Economic Importance of Agriculture for Sustainable
Development and Poverty Reduction: Findings from a Case Study of
Ghana." 29-30 November 2010. OECD.
<http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/50/2/46341169.pdf>.
Dogbevi, Emmanuel K. Ghana crude oil exports yield $484.2 million. 13 May
2011. <http://www.ghanabusinessnews.com/2011/05/13/ghana-crudeoil-exports-yield-484-2-million/>.
Environment and Energy.
<http://www.undpgha.org/site/mainpages.php?page=povertyeconomy>.
Gender Equality and Social Institutions in Ghana.
<http://genderindex.org/country/ghana>.
Ghana. <http://data.un.org/CountryProfile.aspx?crName=Ghana>
Ghana. <http://www.who.int/countries/gha/en/>.
Ghana Airports Company sign MoU with foreign Investor for the expansion of
the Accra Airport. "African Travel Blog". 13 April 2012.
<http://flightsafrica.blogspot.com/2012/04/ghana-airports-company
10
11
12