UNITED NATIONS GIRLS EDUCATION INITIATIVE

3 March 2008 - On 21 February, during a visit to Ghana, Douglas Alexander, Secretary of State for International Development, announced a 20% increase in UK aid to Ghana over the next three years, totalling £250 million.

Douglas Alexander said:

"This additional commitment signifies the strong relationship between Ghana and the UK, making us the biggest donor to Ghana after the World Bank. I am pleased to be able to make this announcement as it shows the UK’s support for Ghana’s positive record on good governance, economic stability and its role as peacekeeper on the African continent.

"I have seen first hand this morning, the health problems caused by poor sanitation and the importance of getting more children into school. This extra money will enable the Ghanaian Government to target these issues and reduce poverty levels even further."

During his visit the Secretary of State called on President Kufour, spoke to UK development staff about their work, and visited a school and a women’s group.

The UK Government currently provides around £70 million annually to Ghana to implement its Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy; this includes £10 million a year to the education sector. In Ghana, 8 out of 10 children attend primary school, with roughly equal numbers of girls and boys enrolling.

DFID is also working to strengthen citizens’ calls for better services, good governance and the protection of basic rights. DFID support to civil society groups and grass roots organisations is ensuring that the voices of the weakest are being heard.