Ghana Ranked 18th in Africa for Development
Ghana has been ranked 18th out of 54 African countries in the 2025 World Population Review’s assessment of development, a position that may raise eyebrows as nations like Sao Tome and Principe and the Republic of Congo perform higher.
The country achieved a Human Development Index (HDI) score of 0.628, placing it within the ‘medium’ development category. This indicates progress but also highlights areas needing improvement.
Seychelles leads the continent, classified as ‘very highly developed’ with a strong HDI, followed closely by Mauritius in second place. Algeria, Egypt, Tunisia, South Africa, Gabon, Botswana, Libya, and Morocco—all boasting ‘very high’ development statuses—rounded out the top ten.
The World Population Review notes that the traditional understanding of a ‘developed country’ often centres around high incomes and robust infrastructure. However, this definition is increasingly seen as insufficient.
“To measure progress more accurately, we need to look beyond just economic indicators,” the report indicates. “The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) utilises the HDI, evaluating factors like income, literacy rates, life expectancy, political stability, and access to essential services such as electricity and healthcare.”
The HDI aggregates these indicators to provide a more holistic view of a country’s capability to enhance the well-being of its citizens. Experts suggest that while Ghana’s 18th place shows some advancement, a concerted effort across social and political spheres is crucial to move higher up the rankings and improve the quality of life for all Ghanaians.
The ranking is likely to spur discussions regarding national development strategies and resource allocation, as stakeholders assess how to build on existing successes and tackle remaining challenges.
Image Source: MYJOYONLINE
