Jenny Chapman, the UK's development minister, faced direct criticism during a visit to Ghana as she defended the government's decision to cut the aid budget. In a classroom in Accra, Ghana's education minister Haruna Iddrisu expressed concern over the declining international development assistance, noting that it has implications for the country's education system. The UK has reduced its aid to Ghana from £47.1m in 2019 to £13.9m in 2023.
The visit comes after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced in February that the UK aid budget would be cut from 0.5% of gross national income to 0.3% by 2027, the lowest level on record. The decision reversed Labour's manifesto pledges and led to the resignation of international development minister Anneliese Dodds, who warned the cuts would harm the UK's reputation and follow the path of US President Donald Trump's cuts to USAID.
Chapman, a close ally of Starmer, described her role as 'the best job in government' and said she can 'change things for the better'. She acknowledged that there will be less money for traditional programming and that 'continuing in the way that we have done isn't the right answer'. The UK has protected aid to Sudan, Ukraine and Gaza, and committed funding to global organisations like the Global Fund and Gavi.
Criticism of the cuts has been widespread. A report by the International Development Committee described them as having a 'devastating' impact on women and girls, and showing the UK is 'stepping back' from its global responsibilities. Projects axed include cash handouts for climate adaptation in Malawi, welfare payments in Jordan and education improvements in Pakistan.
