Doris Dokua Sasu
Research Expert Ghana and Nigeria
Ghana - Statistics & Facts
Ghana is located in western Africa on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea. The country has long been seen as a role model for the African world, having a relatively stable past and being the first African nation south of the Sahara to achieve independence from colonial rule. It is also known for having significant wildlife, natural wealth, old forts, castles and secluded beaches.
At present, Ghana reports more than 28 million inhabitants, about half of which live in urban areas. Slightly more than 2 million inhabitants live in Accra, the capital, as well as in Kumasi - these two metropolises are far larger than any of the other cities in Ghana. Population growth is steadily decreasing and quite low, considering the fact that the fertility rate in Ghana is as high as 4 children per woman on average. This rate has been decreasing slightly over the last 10 years, but not significantly. Life expectancy is also quite low at around 62 years of age, however, Ghana does not make the list of the top 20 countries with the lowest life expectancy.
Ghana has long served as a role model for economic growth and has few barriers to free trade. It has also historically been an exporter of gold and cocoa, but its economy is largely based in services. Since 2013, Ghana’s economy has been struggling more than it has in the past. The country is struggling with increasing inflation, which peaked in 2016 at a devastating 17.5 percent. The national debt is also skyrocketing at a rate much greater than GDP growth. After significant GDP growth back in 2011, the economy of Ghana had a hard time to recover, but seems to have started to dig itself out of this hole in 2017.
At present, Ghana reports more than 28 million inhabitants, about half of which live in urban areas. Slightly more than 2 million inhabitants live in Accra, the capital, as well as in Kumasi - these two metropolises are far larger than any of the other cities in Ghana. Population growth is steadily decreasing and quite low, considering the fact that the fertility rate in Ghana is as high as 4 children per woman on average. This rate has been decreasing slightly over the last 10 years, but not significantly. Life expectancy is also quite low at around 62 years of age, however, Ghana does not make the list of the top 20 countries with the lowest life expectancy.
Ghana has long served as a role model for economic growth and has few barriers to free trade. It has also historically been an exporter of gold and cocoa, but its economy is largely based in services. Since 2013, Ghana’s economy has been struggling more than it has in the past. The country is struggling with increasing inflation, which peaked in 2016 at a devastating 17.5 percent. The national debt is also skyrocketing at a rate much greater than GDP growth. After significant GDP growth back in 2011, the economy of Ghana had a hard time to recover, but seems to have started to dig itself out of this hole in 2017.
