Population of Ghana

Ghana has an estimated 2026 population of 35,730,545, reflecting a steady growth trend that has made it a major demographic hub in Western Africa. The country holds a global rank of 47 out of 215 nations and is currently the second most populous country in its subregion. Recent data indicates a density of 157 people per km² (407 people per sq mi), with more than half of the residents living in rapidly expanding urban centers like Accra and Kumasi. This growth is driven by a consistent natural increase, although the expansion rate has moderated compared to the late 20th century.

The population of Ghana has undergone a massive transformation since gaining independence. In the early 1960s, the nation was home to approximately 6.7 million people. Over the following decades, improvements in healthcare and relative political stability compared to its neighbors fueled a rapid demographic expansion. By the mid-1990s, the population had more than doubled, reaching nearly 18 million as the country transitioned through various economic cycles, including the severe drought and economic crisis of 1983 that temporarily influenced migration patterns. Following the return to multi-party democracy in 1992, Ghana entered a period of consistent economic development and urbanization. The shift from a primarily agrarian society to a service- and industry-oriented economy led to a significant internal migration from the northern regions toward the southern coastal and forest belts. This historical movement has concentrated the population within the 'golden triangle' formed by the cities of Accra, Kumasi, and Sekondi-Takoradi, shaping the modern demographic landscape of the nation.

Current estimates show an annual population growth rate of 1.88%, which represents a gradual deceleration from the high growth peaks of the 1980s. This slowing is largely attributed to a declining fertility rate, which latest official 2024 data places at 3.34 children per woman. While this figure is significantly lower than the historical average of over 6.0 in the 1970s, it remains above the replacement level, ensuring continued population expansion for the foreseeable future. Future projections suggest that Ghana will continue to grow at a moderate pace, likely surpassing 50 million people by the middle of the 21st century. The demographic transition is characterized by a youth-heavy population structure, though recent official metrics indicate a notable shift in the median age profile to 66.1 years. As the nation continues to develop, investments in education and family planning are expected to further refine these growth trends, balancing the needs of a rising urban population with available national resources.

The estimated 2026 population density of Ghana is 157 people per km² (407 people per sq mi), placing it 12th in Africa for density as people concentrate heavily in the fertile southern regions.

The urban population accounts for 58.4% of the total, reflecting a significant shift toward city dwelling that drives demand for housing and infrastructure in metropolitan areas like Accra.

According to the latest ranking, Ghana is the 47th most populous country in the world and the 14th most populous in Africa. Within the subregion of Western Africa, it holds the 2nd position, trailing only Nigeria, which remains the continent's largest demographic powerhouse. This subregional ranking underscores Ghana's significant political and economic influence among its immediate neighbors, which include Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, and Togo. In terms of population density, Ghana ranks 76th globally and 12th in Africa with 157 people per km² (407 people per sq mi). This density is notably higher than that of its landlocked neighbor Burkina Faso to the north and Ivory Coast to the west. While Nigeria remains the dominant force in the region, Ghana’s stable growth and high urbanization rate of 58.4% distinguish it as one of the more integrated and modernized demographic profiles in Western Africa.