CARE International’s history in Ghana
CARE started working in Ghana in 1994, initially focusing on improving sexual health in mining communities. We focused particularly on the prevention of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections.
Over the past three decades, we expanded our work to support broader, long-term change. Today, CARE Ghana addresses the root causes of poverty and inequality, with a strong focus on the disproportionate impacts on women and girls.
CARE and partners’ work in Ghana today
CARE Ghana and our partners work across the country to strengthen food and water systems, make the economy work for women and girls, improve access to essential services, and respond to crises.
We focus on:
Making the economy work for women and girls
CARE supports women and young people to earn an income through financial inclusion, entrepreneurship, and responsible market engagement. In partnership with national and international private-sector institutions, particularly in the cocoa sector, we promote fair business practices. We also work to prevent child labor.
Food and water
We help improve nutrition and access to safe water while strengthening local food systems. CARE and our partners also work with coastal and fishing communities to protect livelihoods. Additionally, we address overfishing and illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing that threaten food security.
Climate
We support farming that is resilient to climate change impacts. This effort involves working with communities to adapt to the immediate and long-term effects of climate change, helping protect livelihoods and long-term food security.
Health
CARE works with partners to strengthen access to essential health services and improve community wellbeing.
Gender equality
Gender equality is integrated across CARE Ghana's work. Programs promote women’s leadership, address harmful social norms, and strengthen the rights and economic participation of women and girls.
Crisis response
During emergencies, CARE provides inclusive humanitarian assistance while strengthening community systems for long-term recovery and resilience.
Focus on women and girls
Women and girls are disproportionately affected by poverty and inequality. At the same time, when women and girls have equal rights and opportunities, entire families and communities benefit.
CARE Ghana’s work focuses on:
- Preventing and responding to violence against women and girls. We address harmful social norms and support stronger policies and enforcement
- Promoting women’s voice and leadership in community and public spaces
- Increasing economic opportunities for women. We do this through approaches such as Village Savings and Loan Associations, skills development, and better access to markets
Through these efforts, CARE Ghana works to ensure women and girls are not only protected but also empowered to drive lasting social and economic change.
For more information on CARE's work in Ghana, see here.
