Aid in Ghana

Aims of this lesson  We are going to look at a case study of Aid in Ghana.  This case study not only looks at Aid but also at covers themes from the Trade unit and the Population unit so it is very useful.

Introduction to Ghana  Ghana is a developing country in west Africa. Most of it’s people are very poor.  The population is rising rapidly and this is causing problems.  Ghana only has two main exports and both are primary goods, cocoa (31%) and gold (29%).  Without help from developed countries Ghana would find it very hard to raise it’s standard of living.

Task 1.  We know that Ghana has a rapidly rising population. What problems could this cause?  Think of social problems and environmental problems. Write them down in your jotter.  Ghana only has two primary products to export. What problems can this cause? Environmental problems: Rise in population can has lead to a greater need for resources and land. This has lead to Desertification in the north of Ghana and Deforestation in the south of Ghana. Social problems: The more people in a country the more money is needed to support them. Hospitals will be overcrowded, schools will be under resourced and this all leads to a very poor standard of living. With only two primary goods to sell Ghana will suffer greatly if the price of these goods vary.

Task 2.  Look at page 119.  Table 14.6 shows some facts about Ghana.  Look at those facts and identify some of the problems the country faces.  (these could be social, economic or cultural)

Short term Aid  Ghana suffered a terrible drought in 1983 and needed emergency aid.  Food, Water and Medicine were given to Ghana to save the lives of millions of people.  Ghana is a country that has had military trouble over the years and thousands of people have died or been left homeless.  Short term Aid has been given here too.

Long Term Aid. The Volta river project scheme.  A large dam was built across the River Volta in southern Ghana with money leant to them from the USA.  The dam was meant to bring cheap hydro-electric power to the people of Ghana.  A large aluminum smelter moved into the area to take advantage of the cheap energy. It was owned by a foreign company so 90% of it’s profits went out of Ghana.  Due to tied aid none of the raw materials were used from Ghana,  30 years on most people in Ghana have no electricity.

Task 3.  If you gained a Credit or General mark in the Prelim you are to answer the Credit questions on page 118.  If you finish all of these questions go onto the Extension questions on page 121.