Poverty remains significantly higher in Ghana's three northern regions despite recent economic improvements, the World Bank has revealed.

The Bank said lower inflation and stronger economic growth have started to ease pressure on households across the country. However, it noted that the benefits of the economic recovery have not reached all parts of Ghana equally.

According to the World Bank, poverty rates in the three northern regions remain above 50%, making them among the areas with the highest levels of poverty in the country.

“Lower inflation and stronger growth have begun to ease pressure on households, but poverty remains much higher in the three northern regions, and population growth means the absolute number of poor may still be rising,” it stated.

EXPLAINER: How Ghana's cedi notes are produced

The World Bank also cautioned that the number of people living in poverty could continue to increase because Ghana’s population is growing while insufficient jobs are being created.

It said Ghana needs to create more jobs and improve productivity in agriculture, manufacturing and services to reduce poverty, particularly in poorer regions.

The Bank also called for stronger social protection programmes, such as the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP), to support vulnerable households.

The warning highlights the uneven impact of Ghana’s economic recovery, with many people in the three northern regions yet to feel the full benefits of improved economic conditions.

The World Bank said more needs to be done to ensure that economic growth translates into jobs, higher incomes and improved living conditions for poorer communities.

DR/MA

We want Ghana to become a preferred aviation destination – President Mahama