A recent report from the World Population Review for 2024 has identified Ghana as one of the top 10 countries with the lowest average IQ, recording a score of 58.16, The Times of India reports.
This low IQ ranking is reflective of a range of socio-economic challenges faced by the nation, including poverty, inadequate access to education, and disparities between urban and rural learning environments. Despite some improvements in educational infrastructure, many schools in Ghana continue to struggle with insufficient resources, which hampers cognitive development among students.
The factors contributing to lower IQ averages in Ghana and similar countries are multifaceted. Limited access to quality education and healthcare, coupled with malnutrition, significantly influences cognitive capabilities.
In Ghana, children in rural areas often encounter barriers to education, with schools lacking essential materials and trained teachers. Such disparities create an environment where the potential for cognitive growth is severely restricted, leading to broader societal implications.
Other countries listed among those with low IQs include Nepal, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guatemala, The Gambia, Nicaragua, Guinea, Ivory Coast, South Sudan, and Mauritania, each facing unique challenges that impact their educational systems and overall development.
Countries like Ghana, along with others on the list, often grapple with a cyclical pattern of socio-economic difficulties. For instance, Liberia and Sierra Leone have both reported average IQs of 45.07, significantly influenced by civil conflict and instability that disrupts education and health services. These ongoing issues perpetuate cycles of poverty and
limit opportunities for the youth, who are crucial for future development.
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Many schools in Ghana continue to struggle with insufficient resources