Target Population Profile (Ghana)

CEFAC will focus primarily on Ghana, a sub-Saharan developing country with a population of 25.37 million. Adolescents, aged 10-19, make up 22% of the Ghanaian population. With a current annual gross domestic product (GDP) of $40.71 billion, Ghana is classified as a lower middle-income country, according to the World Bank. About half of the population is urbanized; however, 80% of the Ghanaian workforce is employed in the informal sector. This sector is characterized by alarming rates of bad working conditions, uncertain work relationships, low wages and underemployment. Underemployment is a significant cause of poverty; CEFAC will address these issues through the provision of vocational workshops, internships and job opportunities post university graduation.

The poverty headcount ratio of the country is 28.5%; also known as population living below the national poverty line as defined by the US standard rate of $1.25 per day (UNICEF 2013). Illiteracy is about 36.4% of the regional population. The level of literacy is higher for males (73.5%) than for females (54.4%). Education is not gender-specific and CEFAC will ensure that children enjoy their right to good education through the provision of educational materials and merit-based scholarships as well as the establishment of CEFAC Academies across the nation.

The Ghanaian population life expectancy at birth is 61years. The under-five mortality rate, i.e. the probability of dying between birth and exactly five years of age, is 36 per 1,000 live births. It is estimated that about one million Children, aged 0-14years, are orphaned due to all causes, and of that number, 190,000 have lost one or both of their parents due to AIDS. CEFAC will partner with hospitals and other organizations to educate people on preventative care measures.

The orphan school attendance ratio in Ghana from 2008 to 2012 was noted to be 76%. This shows the percentage of children (10-14 years) who have lost both biological parents and who are currently attending school. Although the enrollment ratio for primary school is fairly high for both males (83.9%) and females (84.8%), it is very low for secondary school at 48.1% and 44.4%, respectfully. The dropout rate is partly due to the fact that children often participate in the informal sector as a means of contributing to the household income. In fact, 33.9% of children aged 5 to 14 years of age are involved in child labor activities. The expectation of the foundation is to address these issues through the provision of opportunities that will break the cycle of poverty. CEFAC will help individuals determine ways to improve their living standards.