UN programme delivery in Ghana rises to 80% as investments reach $113m

The United Nations Country Team in Ghana significantly improved its programme implementation performance in 2025, increasing its delivery rate from 64 percent in 2024 to 80 percent while investing more than $113 million in development initiatives across the country.

According to the United Nations’ 2025 Annual Results Report, launched in Accra on Tuesday, June 17, the UN system channelled $113.3 million through 34 agencies to support programmes aimed at accelerating Ghana’s progress toward sustainable development, economic resilience and social inclusion.

The investments were implemented through seven joint programmes involving 185 partners from government institutions, civil society organisations, development agencies and the private sector. The interventions focused on key areas including poverty reduction, economic inclusion, healthcare, education, governance, peacebuilding, disability inclusion, gender equality, climate resilience and digital transformation.

The report highlighted a number of measurable outcomes achieved during the reporting period. Among the most significant was a reduction in multidimensional poverty, with approximately 950,000 people moving out of poverty between the fourth quarter of 2024 and the third quarter of 2025.

The United Nations also reported substantial improvements in health outcomes, particularly maternal healthcare. Maternal mortality declined from 310 deaths per 100,000 live births to 234 deaths per 100,000 live births, reflecting progress in access to healthcare services and maternal health interventions.

Despite continuing security challenges in parts of the country, the report noted advances in peacebuilding and conflict prevention efforts. The UN documented the displacement of about 34,000 people resulting from the Gbinyiri conflict, while more than 150 fatalities were linked to the protracted Bawku conflict.

To strengthen border management and national security, immigration patrol coverage was expanded from 12 kilometres to 22 kilometres, helping authorities improve surveillance and response capabilities in vulnerable areas.

The report also highlighted gains in digital literacy and responsible online engagement. A total of 24,226 students received digital safety awareness training, equipping young people with skills to navigate online spaces securely and responsibly.

Additionally, 54 journalists underwent specialised training in conflict-sensitive reporting to support responsible media coverage of tensions and security-related issues. Public peace campaigns delivered through radio broadcasts reached approximately 100,000 listeners, while digital peace messaging generated an estimated 1.5 million video views.

In the area of gender equality and social inclusion, the UN reported progress in efforts to reduce child marriage and strengthen support systems for persons with disabilities.

Programmes implemented across all 16 regions contributed to reducing child marriage prevalence from 19 percent to 16.1 percent. The report also highlighted the development of a national disability data framework, which is expected to improve evidence-based policymaking and the delivery of services for persons living with disabilities.

Climate action remained a major focus of UN support during the year. According to the report, approximately 24,152 tonnes of organic waste were diverted from landfill sites through sustainable waste management initiatives.

The UN also provided technical assistance for the development of Ghana’s disaster risk financing strategy, including work on a parametric flood insurance mechanism designed to provide rapid financial support during disasters. The initiative is expected to benefit nearly 4.9 million people vulnerable to climate-related flooding.

Speaking at the launch of the report, UN Resident Coordinator in Ghana, Zia Choudhury, attributed the improved programme delivery rate to stronger collaboration among agencies and enhanced accountability mechanisms.

“We are improving our delivery rates because we are ready to deliver with greater discipline, greater reliability across the 34 agencies,” he said.

Mr. Choudhury acknowledged that while the UN’s annual expenditure may appear relatively modest compared to large-scale national infrastructure investments, the resources are strategically deployed to maximise development impact.

“The UN’s annual envelope of over $113 million may not seem large compared to national infrastructure spending, but it is managed with careful targeting, careful coordination and careful accounting,” he explained.

He noted that the programmes had delivered tangible benefits in several areas, including improved access to quality education, nutrition support, increased financing and agricultural inputs for farmers, enhanced protection for women and girls, and strengthened climate resilience among vulnerable communities.

Also addressing the event, David Klotey Collison, Coordinating Director of Operations at the Ministry of Finance, praised the partnership between Ghana and the United Nations, describing it as instrumental to the country’s development agenda.

According to him, Ghana has made significant efforts to improve fiscal discipline, strengthen public investment management and enhance domestic resource mobilisation, but international cooperation remains critical to achieving national development objectives.

“Over the past year, Ghana has made deliberate efforts to strengthen fiscal policy, optimise public investment and enhance domestic resource mobilisation, but international cooperation was necessary in achieving the country’s sustainable development goals,” he said.

Mr. Collison described the UN as a strategic development partner that continues to support Ghana in areas such as social protection, climate adaptation, economic transformation, peacebuilding and essential public services.

He further stressed that Ghana’s development strategy is increasingly centred on resilience, sustainability and transformation, calling for deeper collaboration among government, development partners and the private sector.

The Ministry of Finance official expressed appreciation to the UN system and its partners for their continued support and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening cooperation to achieve greater development outcomes for citizens in the years ahead.