Microfinance and Poverty Reduction in Ghana. The Case of Central Region of Ghana

The study evaluated Microfinance as a tool for poverty reduction in Ghana using central region as a case study. A survey design involving quantitative, qualitative and participatory methods within the framework of impact assessment techniques was used. Simple random and stratified sampling methods were employed to select five Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) and one hundred microcredit beneficiaries. The study made use of both primary and secondary data. It was found out that though there are challenges microfinance has a positive impact on poverty reduction. Among the recommendations were that microfinance clients should be trained before and after disbursement of the loan; and also they should be effectively monitored. In addition to the above recommendations it was concluded that if the challenges facing the Microfinance sector (eg; inappropriate institutional arrangement, poor regulatory environment etc) are addressed microfinance will be a potent tool for poverty reduction not only in Ghana but all developing countries at large.