Ghana: Empowering the Urban Poor (part1)

With support from USAID, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and other partners, CHF International has been working with slum communities in Ghana to improve urban living environments and increase economic opportunities. Through urban development initiatives, CHF has helped increase access to improved water and sanitation facilities, create jobs and training programs for young people, promote housing improvements and alley paving and build the capacity of local NGO partners. Through it's microcredit institution, Boafo, CHF is providing credit to low- and moderate-income individuals to expand their businesses, purchase homes and pursue educational opportunities. These initiatives have also enabled residents to become more active in the urban planning process and fostered closer cooperation between communities, local NGOs and municipal authorities, ultimately, giving greater voice to the urban poor and empowering citizens to take part in shaping their own future development.