An Examination of USAID Supported Project after shutdown in Lower Manya Krobo and Asuogyaman Districts, Eastern Region, Ghana

Abstract The cessation of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) operations in July 2025 marks a major turning point in global development partnerships. Projections indicate up to 14 million preventable deaths by 2030, raising urgent questions about the sustainability of existing development frameworks. This study examines the implications of USAID’s withdrawal through the Micro Enterprises Support Hub (MES-Hub) in Ghana’s Lower Manya Krobo and Asuogyaman Districts, exploring whether it represents a setback or a catalyst for resilient development. Using a mixed-methods descriptive design, data were collected from 356 micro-entrepreneurs via standardized questionnaires and 20 in-depth stakeholder interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 28, and qualitative themes extracted with NVivo. Findings revealed that 90% of entrepreneurs cited limited access to finance as their key challenge, while 70% expressed readiness to invest in support programs, challenging assumptions of aid dependence. Female entrepreneurs comprised 54% of respondents, with 73% aged 26–45. Additionally, 72% were aware of the USAID closure and expressed concern over future support structures essential for enterprise sustainability.