Impact of Population Assistance to an African Country

Rapid population growth combined with poor social and economic conditions is hindering development efforts in many countries. African birthrates are among the highest in the world, and population growth rates are expected to increase as improved health care lowers mortality. Ghana is one African nation that has recognized its population problem. It has promulgated an official population policy, and has established a family-planning program. The United States has provided about 75 percent of the $15.9 million of population assistance to Ghana. Ghana's program, however, has reached only a small percentage of the population, primarily urban.