The Covid-19 pandemic has left more than 77% of households in Ghana struggling to meet their basic needs. Rising unemployment rates, lost wages, and diminished remittances have hit low-income and vulnerable groups hardest. To promote an inclusive pandemic recovery, the government implemented several policies to address these challenges and growing inequality. Among these are policies that ensure access to household necessities. A team of local PEP researchers used simulation techniques to evaluate the effectiveness of the implemented policy options. They found that while free water and electricity to lifeline customers reduced poverty the most, all policies implemented were only marginally effective and were not enough to offset the initial rise in poverty seen in 2020. Find out more about the research methods, findings and policy recommendations in the following PEP publications:
