The Role Of Non-Governmental Organizations In Urban Poverty Reduction: The Case Of Ayawaso West Municipality

Abstract

Poverty in Ghana has often been described as being a rural phenomenon and as a result the focus of the various poverty reduction programmes in the country has mainly concentrated on the rural communities. However, recent studies have identified the incidence of poverty in in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA), including Ayawaso West Municipality, to be increasing. This study examined the various roles being played by the Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in the Ayawaso West Municipality in addressing poverty. The study employed an explanatory research design with an interview guide as the primary research instrument for collecting the data. Sixty-seven (67) respondents who were beneficiaries of the various activities of NGOs were sampled for the study. The study showed that most NGOs contribute to poverty reduction through their involvement in capacity building and empowerment of the poor in income generating activities and advocacy. The study suggests that NGOs need to review their strategies in the areas of service delivery and advocacy roles in urban areas to remain relevant to the current development discourse. Further, effective collaboration between Government and NGOs is necessary to ensure that urban poverty is reduced to enhance the chances of Ghana attaining the Sustainable Development Goal Number One.