Ghana Population 2026
As of 2025, Ghana's population stands at 34,427,414, making it the 47th most populous country in the world. Located in Sub-Saharan Africa and classified as a lower middle-income economy, Ghana has experienced steady demographic growth. The country's 1-year growth rate is 1.89%, reflecting a modest slowdown from the 10-year average of 2.07%.
Population Trend (Ghana)
Population by Decade
Population milestones
How Ghana's population changed across key years (World Bank estimates).
Overview
Ghana's population dynamics reflect broader Sub-Saharan African trends, where high fertility rates and declining mortality have driven rapid expansion over recent decades. With 34.4 million inhabitants as of 2025, the country ranks 47th globally, placing it among medium-sized nations by population. The current 1-year growth rate of 1.89% indicates a slight deceleration compared to the 10-year average of 2.07%, suggesting gradual demographic transition as urbanization and family planning efforts take hold.
As a lower middle-income country, Ghana faces the dual challenge of harnessing its young, growing population for economic development while managing pressures on infrastructure, education, and healthcare. The 10-year average growth rate of 2.07% has contributed to a significant increase in absolute numbers, with the population rising from roughly 31 million in 2015 to over 34 million today. This growth is concentrated in urban centers such as Accra and Kumasi, accelerating rural-to-urban migration.
Regionally, Ghana's population trends mirror those of West Africa, where many nations experience annual growth rates between 2% and 3%. However, Ghana's slightly lower growth rate relative to some neighbors may indicate earlier stages of demographic transition. The country's population density and distribution are uneven, with the southern regions hosting the majority of inhabitants due to economic opportunities and more favorable climate.
The annual addition of roughly 650,000 people per year—based on the current 1.89% growth rate—poses ongoing challenges for sustainable development. Ghana's demographic profile remains young, with a median age below 22 years, underscoring the importance of investments in youth employment and education to capitalize on the potential demographic dividend.
Key Facts
- Latest population (2025): 34,427,414
- 1-year growth rate: 1.89%
- 10-year average growth rate: 2.07%
- Global population rank: #47
- Income group: Lower middle income
- Region: Sub-Saharan Africa