A new report by ActionAid has uncovered a deepening crisis in Ghana’s public sector, where austerity-driven budget cuts are straining education and healthcare systems, leaving frontline workers overburdened and communities under-served.
The report, titled “The Human Cost of Public Cuts in Africa,” presents data from six African countries—Ghana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, and Nigeria—highlighting the devastating impact of public spending cuts. Ghana’s findings stand out starkly, revealing overcrowded classrooms, stressed and underpaid teachers and nurses, rising user fees, and deteriorating infrastructure.
The research is based on surveys and focus group discussions with 616 people across rural and urban areas, including 296 teachers and health workers and 320 service users. The findings spotlight the deteriorating state of Ghana’s public services under recent austerity measures.
Key Findings from Ghana:
Education in Crisis
- A 30% surge in public school enrolment over the past 3–5 years has led to overcrowded classrooms, with 48% of teachers reporting increased workloads.
- 100% of surveyed teachers noted worsening working conditions, citing larger class sizes, increased responsibilities, and a lack of teaching resources.
- 40% cuts in school budgets since 2020 have wiped out textbook and furniture supplies, forcing parents to fund basic school needs, including chairs and renovations.
- Widespread hunger among pupils is hindering learning, as few kindergartens offer meals under the current school feeding programme.
Healthcare Under Pressure
- 90% of health workers reported a steep increase in treatment and medication costs, echoed by patients who said fees for doctor consultations and diagnostic tests had quadrupled in the last five years.
- All surveyed health workers said their salaries are now inadequate to meet basic living costs.
- A looming mental health crisis was noted, with 90% of health professionals experiencing severe stress due to financial strain and excessive workloads.
A Call for Urgent Action
“This report lays bare the human cost of austerity,” said John Nkaw, Country Director of ActionAid Ghana.
“Our teachers are managing overcrowded classrooms without books. Our nurses can’t afford food on their current wages. These are the people holding our country together—and they’re being pushed to the edge.”
He added, “Ghana cannot build a fair and resilient future while starving public services of vital resources. Urgent steps must be taken to reverse the cuts, invest in essential services, and uphold the rights of those most affected.”
ActionAid Ghana’s Recommendations:
ActionAid Ghana is calling on the Government of Ghana to:
- Immediately reverse budget cuts in education and health sectors.
- Provide fair, livable wages for teachers and health workers.
- Expand school feeding programmes and eliminate hidden user fees.
- Offer mental health support and reduce workloads for frontline healthcare workers.
- Reject austerity demands by international financial institutions that threaten public service delivery.
About the Report
“The Human Cost of Public Sector Cuts in Africa” documents how austerity measures are affecting public service workers and citizens across Ghana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, and Nigeria. The research features testimonies from 616 participants, highlighting the day-to-day realities faced by those impacted by shrinking public budgets.
About ActionAid Ghana
ActionAid Ghana (AAG) is a registered non-governmental organisation and a member of a global federation working in over 45 countries. Committed to promoting human rights and fighting poverty, AAG empowers communities to drive sustainable change and social justice.
