According to the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), 6.7 million Ghanaians fall within the UN definition of poverty.
The Ghana Living Standards Survey was conducted by the country's statistical service in 18,000 households in 1,200 enumeration areas between 2012 to 2013.
According to the United Nations, poverty is "the total absence of opportunities, accompanied by high levels of undernourishment, hunger, illiteracy, lack of education, physical and mental ailments, emotional and social instability, unhappiness, sorrow and hopelessness for the future".
"Poverty is also characterized by a chronic shortage of economic, social and political participation, relegating individuals to exclusion as social beings, preventing access to the benefits of economic and social development and thereby limiting their cultural development."
This definition fits a quarter of the population, according to the statistical service.
The survey also revealed that 1 out of 12 Ghanaians are extremely poor.
In a Ghana, "if that person spends all his earning on food only, it will not be sufficient to meet the 2,900 calories minimum requirement", he is very poor, Census Director at the GSS Anthony Amuzu told Joy News.
He said in currency terms, the 'very poor' live on Gh¢2.17 a day.
The statistician acknowledged that although incomes have improved, the survey examined the expenditure pattern of respondents.
"First of all, we define the food poverty line. Once this has been determined then we look at those above the food poverty line".
He said a majority of the extremely poor are found in Agriculture
"Most people still engage in subsistence farming. What they get is not enough. Besides, there is no value in the things they sell. Usually they sell unprocessed food items, definitely their income levels will be low", Amuzu continued.
The survey did not ask measures respondents believe will bring them out of poverty.
Latest Stories
-
World Bank’s food price index eases; maize, wheat prices hit 3-year low
50 mins -
2020 polls all about pulling Ghana back from precipice of destruction, corruption – Naana Jane
53 mins -
Guru expresses interest in contesting SRC election at UG
1 hour -
Oil prices projected to average $84 in 2024 – World Bank
1 hour -
Meet 2 Ghanaian entrepreneurs on a mission to connect 1m African professionals to global companies by 2034
2 hours -
NCA approves Starlink’s satellite broadband application
2 hours -
Government orders FGR to revamp mining operations; assures workers of commitment to their welfare
2 hours -
Arne Slot philosophy could suit Liverpool – Van Dijk
2 hours -
EC replies Mahama: You also appointed someone who was tagged NDC
2 hours -
See colourful outdoor of Prof Naana Opoku-Agyemang as NDC’s running mate
3 hours -
Akufo-Addo commissions 15MWP Kaleo Solar Power Plant
3 hours -
GCB Bank PLC leads African financial integration, hosts ZICB delegation
3 hours -
Empowering Girls in ICT: FAWE Ghana advocates for gender equality in the Tech sector
4 hours -
Rangnick ‘contacted by Bayern Munich’ about manager job
4 hours -
Winneba Youth Choir celebrates 35th Anniversary with Aseda Concert sponsored by Fidelity Bank
4 hours