The World Bank said on Friday it had approved a US $490-million country assistance strategy for fiscal years 2001-2003 to help alleviate poverty.

The strategy, designed in consultation with civil society, outlines the country's plans to reduce poverty in the future. The plan was presented to the bank's board by the World Bank staff and the Ghana government.

The government says it wants to strengthen the capabilities of the poor and vulnerable to earn income; reduce gender, geographical and socio-economic disparities and work towards a healthier, better educated and more productive population.

"This is the first time that a government has presented its development strategy to our board of directors and this reflects the new way the bank is doing business with our clients," Peter Harrold, the World Bank's country director for Ghana, said.