On Wednesday, November 4, Dr Alhassan Iddrisu, Ghana’s Government Statistician, told Channel One TV’s The Point of View that the country’s population, now about 33.7 million, is projected to double in roughly 33 years if the current 2.1 % growth rate continues.
Iddrisu explained that the nation adds between 500,000 and 700,000 people each year, a pace that has slowed over time. He noted that at a 2.7 % rate the doubling would take about 26 years, while a 2.5 % rate would extend the period to around 28 years.
The statistician highlighted a shift in settlement patterns, citing that in 1984 68 % of Ghanaians lived rurally, a figure that fell to 56 % by 2000. By 2010 urban dwellers surpassed rural ones for the first time, and the 2021 Census recorded 56.7 % living in cities. Current projections suggest that about 60 % of the 33.7 million now reside in urban areas.
Iddrisu said the changing demographics reflect broader trends in Ghana’s development and urbanisation. The government will monitor these shifts as it plans for infrastructure and services to meet future demands.
