MENU
back
en
After being regarded as a model economy for the entire continent just 5 years ago, Ghana has been in an economic crisis since 2022. However, there are signs of recovery. Ghana is now well positioned at the international level, due to its perceived political stability with a resilient population and a solid democratic system. Despite the “Ghana Beyond Aid” ambition, international development actors remain crucial for the development of important sectors such as Education, Agriculture and Economic Development. The private sector in Ghana seems to be quite dynamic considering the difficult circumstances. There are also many international companies, including many Swiss companies. However, there is a lack of investment in the private sector. The economy is largely made up of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises and there are few large local companies. There are few links between the economy and the education sector that could alleviate the problem of skills shortages. it is also the intention of the government of Ghana to contribute to a Green Transition of its economy, by focussing on renewable energy, recycling and climate change related initiatives.
The umbrella approach will be the key approach for Swisscontact in Ghana, in line with the goals formulated in the global Swisscontact Strategy 2028. Strategy 2028 focuses on engaging in long term strategic partnerships to respond to global development challenges. At the core of our mission stands our strong belief that private initiative is a key driver of innovation, change and economic development and that people are able and willing to support collective action. At the core of the umbrella approach are building partnerships, testing and demonstrating solutions, fostering coordination, strengthening relationships, and ensuring transparency.
Hence the umbrella approach for Ghana will be about forming multiple networks of partnerships in different thematic areas, referred to as pillars (namely Recycling, Renewable energy, Sustainable Agriculture, IT and Entrepreneurial Ecosystem). In its overarching role, Swisscontact ensures that synergies between the various pillars are fostered to the benefit of the overall umbrella impact.
The Swisscontact “toolbox” for intervention design contains various proven approaches that can roughly be divided into two categories a) tools that focus on skills development as main outcome; and b) tools that aim at economic development or job creation. Based on these two categories, the “Green Skills & Jobs” framework also includes a focus on climate issues within these two categories.
This powerful framework allows for a very flexible approach, which can offer solutions for various local circumstances or starting points. While missing green skills might be a key constraint for economic development in one sector, missing green job opportunities might be the reason for lack of growth in another.
Across all interventions and pillars, Swisscontact aims to address climate change issues. This mainstreaming lens includes both adaptation and mitigation measures, depending on identified risks and opportunities related to the environment. For activities without a specific climate change focus, Swisscontact applies a strict “do no harm” approach, which guarantees, that partners and interventions don’t actively contribute to a negative impact on the environment.
We are open to collaboration with the private sector, development partners, foundations, I/NGOs and any others that are willing to partner to solve development issues.