Economic growth has been extremely robust following the country’s discovery of oil in 2007, reaching well into the double-digits and driving a boom in consumption and investment. The discovery in Ghana’s offshore Jubilee field in 2007 represented something of a turning point in the country’s economic trajectory. Followed by growth rates that at one point reached above 14%, as well as a GDP re-basing that improved the accuracy of its reporting, the country has moved up into lower middle-income status. As a result of its recent economic surge and stable environment, investment levels have continued to rise, as companies both foreign and domestic are eager to capitalise on the country’s wealth of natural resources and growing middle class. There have been challenges, as public spending comes under pressure and commodity exports remain exposed to exogenous shocks, but the economy’s fundamentals are encouraging.

The country has played a leading role in African affairs for decades, having been one of the first states to gain independence on the continent and serving as one of the key centres of pan-Africanism in the post-independence era. That role has continued in recent years, with Ghana playing a central part in regional organisations like ECOWAS and the African Union. Reliance on raw material exports, combined with an income-sensitive population and stubborn poverty levels in the northern regions of the country, have created complications, but Ghana has made significant progress in recent years and has begun to build the necessary foundations for long-term growth.

This volume analyzes Ghana s National Health Insurance Scheme and highlights the range of policy options needed to assure its financially sustainable transition to universal coverage.

Expansion of basic education in Ghana was unprecedented and brought the country to the forefront in education in Africa. The report provides analysis, lessons and policy options to developing a post-MDG strategic agenda for basic education.