The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has published a new report projecting significant growth in the country’s population over the coming decades.
The report, titled “Population Projections 2021 – 2050,” forecasts a 70.36% increase in Ghana’s population, reaching approximately 52.47 million by 2050, up from 30.83 million in 2021.
According to the report, Ghana’s population will experience a steady rise, reaching 33 million by 2024 and surpassing 44.7 million by 2040. Despite this substantial growth, the population growth rate is expected to decelerate over the next 25 years.
The demographic landscape of Ghana is set to transform significantly. The proportion of children (aged 0-14) is projected to decrease to 29.1% by 2050, down from current levels. Conversely, the elderly population (aged 60 and over) is expected to increase substantially, growing from 6.5% in 2021 to 10.8% by 2050.
Urbanization trends are also projected to continue, with the urban population anticipated to reach 60.7% by 2030. Greater Accra, already the most urbanized region, will see its population density increase by 1.3 times by 2030.
The report highlights ongoing gender disparities in Ghana, noting a slight female majority that is expected to narrow by 2050, with a male-to-female ratio of 96 per 100. Currently, six of the 16 regions have more males than females, with Western North leading at 105 males per 100 females. By 2050, only four regions—Western North, Western, Ahafo, and Oti—are expected to remain male-dominated. The Volta Region, which had the lowest sex ratio of 91 males per 100 females in 2021, is projected to see this ratio decline further to 90 males per 100 females by 2050.
The number of school-going children (aged 4-24) is forecasted to rise steadily, reaching approximately 15.85 million by 2030. Greater Accra is expected to have the highest school-age population by 2030, followed closely by the Ashanti Region.
Ghana’s working-age population (aged 15-59) is projected to increase significantly, exceeding 22 million by 2030. The North East, Northern, and Savannah regions are anticipated to see the highest growth in their working-age populations.
The elderly population is also expected to rise sharply, with regions such as Northern, Savannah, North East, Western North, Bono East, and Greater Accra projected to experience increases of over 50% by 2030.
In an interview, Deputy Government Statistician Dr. Faustina Frempong-Ainguah emphasized the importance of these projections for policymakers and institutions. She highlighted the need for the government to consider the pressure that increased population density will place on facilities, particularly in Accra, in the coming years.
“These population projections provide critical insights for planning and policy formulation,” Dr. Frempong-Ainguah stated. “The government must anticipate and address the infrastructural and service demands that will accompany this population growth.”
The GSS report offers a comprehensive overview of Ghana’s projected demographic changes, underscoring the necessity for strategic planning to manage the country’s evolving needs.