Geographic coverage

National coverage

Analysis unit

households/individuals

Kind of data

Census

Frequency of data collection

Yearly

Sampling procedure

Sample size:

Abstract

The 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (2022 GDHS) is the seventh in the series of DHS surveys conducted by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health/Ghana Health Service (MoH/GHS) and other stakeholders, with funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and other partners.

The primary objective of the 2022 GDHS is to provide up-to-date estimates of basic demographic and health indicators. Specifically, the GDHS collected information on: - Fertility levels and preferences, contraceptive use, antenatal and delivery care, maternal and child health, childhood mortality, childhood immunisation, breastfeeding and young child feeding practices, women’s dietary diversity, violence against women, gender, nutritional status of adults and children, awareness regarding HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections, tobacco use, and other indicators relevant for the Sustainable Development Goals - Haemoglobin levels of women and children - Prevalence of malaria parasitaemia (rapid diagnostic testing and thick slides for malaria parasitaemia in the field and microscopy in the lab) among children age 6–59 months - Use of treated mosquito nets - Use of antimalarial drugs for treatment of fever among children under age 5

The information collected through the 2022 GDHS is intended to assist policymakers and programme managers in designing and evaluating programmes and strategies for improving the health of the country’s population.

Geographic coverage

National coverage

Analysis unit

• Household
• Individual
• Children age 0-5
• Woman age 15-49
• Man age 15-59

Universe

The survey covered all de jure household members (usual residents), all women aged 15-49, men aged 15-59, and all children aged 0-4 resident in the household.

Kind of data

Sample survey data [ssd]

Sampling procedure

To achieve the objectives of the 2022 GDHS, a stratified representative sample of 18,450 households was selected in 618 clusters, which resulted in 15,014 interviewed women age 15–49 and 7,044 interviewed men age 15–59 (in one of every two households selected).

The sampling frame used for the 2022 GDHS is the updated frame prepared by the GSS based on the 2021 Population and Housing Census.1 The sampling procedure used in the 2022 GDHS was stratified two-stage cluster sampling, designed to yield representative results at the national level, for urban and rural areas, and for each of the country’s 16 regions for most DHS indicators. In the first stage, 618 target clusters were selected from the sampling frame using a probability proportional to size strategy for urban and rural areas in each region. Then the number of targeted clusters were selected with equal probability systematic random sampling of the clusters selected in the first phase for urban and rural areas. In the second stage, after selection of the clusters, a household listing and map updating operation was carried out in all of the selected clusters to develop a list of households for each cluster. This list served as a sampling frame for selection of the household sample. The GSS organized a 5-day training course on listing procedures for listers and mappers with support from ICF. The listers and mappers were organized into 25 teams consisting of one lister and one mapper per team. The teams spent 2 months completing the listing operation. In addition to listing the households, the listers collected the geographical coordinates of each household using GPS dongles provided by ICF and in accordance with the instructions in the DHS listing manual. The household listing was carried out using tablet computers, with software provided by The DHS Program. A fixed number of 30 households in each cluster were randomly selected from the list for interviews.

For further details on sample design, see APPENDIX A of the final report.

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face computer-assisted interviews [capi]

Research instrument

Four questionnaires were used in the 2022 GDHS: the Household Questionnaire, the Woman’s Questionnaire, the Man’s Questionnaire, and the Biomarker Questionnaire. The questionnaires, based on The DHS Program’s model questionnaires, were adapted to reflect the population and health issues relevant to Ghana. In addition, a self-administered Fieldworker Questionnaire collected information about the survey’s fieldworkers.

The GSS organized a questionnaire design workshop with support from ICF and obtained input from government and development partners expected to use the resulting data. The DHS Program optional modules on domestic violence, malaria, and social and behavior change communication were incorporated into the Woman’s Questionnaire. ICF provided technical assistance in adapting the modules to the questionnaires.

Cleaning operations

DHS staff installed all central office programmes, data structure checks, secondary editing, and field check tables from 17–20 October 2022. Central office training was implemented using the practice data to test the central office system and field check tables. Seven GSS staff members (four male and three female) were trained on the functionality of the central office menu, including accepting clusters from the field, data editing procedures, and producing reports to monitor fieldwork.

From 27 February to 17 March, DHS staff visited the Ghana Statistical Service office in Accra to work with the GSS central office staff on finishing the secondary editing and to clean and finalize all data received from the 618 clusters.

Response rate

A total of 18,540 households were selected for the GDHS sample, of which 18,065 were found to be occupied. Of the occupied households, 17,933 were successfully interviewed, yielding a response rate of 99%. In the interviewed households, 15,317 women age 15–49 were identified as eligible for individual interviews. Interviews were completed with 15,014 women, yielding a response rate of 98%. In the subsample of households selected for the male survey, 7,263 men age 15–59 were identified as eligible for individual interviews and 7,044 were successfully interviewed.

Sampling error estimates

The estimates from a sample survey are affected by two types of errors: (1) nonsampling errors and (2) sampling errors. Nonsampling errors are the results of mistakes made in implementing data collection and data processing, such as failure to locate and interview the correct household, misunderstanding of the questions on the part of either the interviewer or the respondent, and data entry errors. Although numerous efforts were made during the implementation of the 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (2022 GDHS) to minimize this type of error, nonsampling errors are impossible to avoid and difficult to evaluate statistically.

Sampling errors, on the other hand, can be evaluated statistically. The sample of respondents selected in the 2022 GDHS is only one of many samples that could have been selected from the same population, using the same design and identical size. Each of these samples would yield results that differ somewhat from the results of the actual sample selected. Sampling errors are a measure of the variability between all possible samples. Although the degree of variability is not known exactly, it can be estimated from the survey results. A sampling error is usually measured in terms of the standard error for a particular statistic (mean, percentage, etc.), which is the square root of the variance. The standard error can be used to calculate confidence intervals within which the true value for the population can reasonably be assumed to fall. For example, for any given statistic calculated from a sample survey, the value of that statistic will fall within a range of plus or minus two times the standard error of that statistic in 95% of all possible samples of identical size and design.

If the sample of respondents had been selected as a simple random sample, it would have been possible to use straightforward formulas for calculating sampling errors. However, the 2022 GDHS sample was the result of a multistage stratified design, and, consequently, it was necessary to use more complex formulas. The computer software used to calculate sampling errors for the GDHS 2022 is an SAS program. This program used the Taylor linearization method to estimate variances for survey estimates that are means, proportions, or ratios. The Jackknife repeated replication method is used for variance estimation of more complex statistics such as fertility and mortality rates.

A more detailed description of estimates of sampling errors are presented in APPENDIX B of the survey report.

Data appraisal

Data Quality Tables

• Age distribution of eligible and interviewed women
• Age distribution of eligible and interviewed men
• Age displacement at age 14/15
• Age displacement at age 49/50
• Pregnancy outcomes by years preceding the survey
• Completeness of reporting
• Standardisation exercise results from anthropometry training
• Height and weight data completeness and quality for children
• Height measurements from random subsample of measured children
• Interference in height and weight measurements of children
• Interference in height and weight measurements of women and men
• Heaping in anthropometric measurements for children (digit preference)
• Observation of mosquito nets
• Observation of handwashing facility
• School attendance by single year of age
• Vaccination cards photographed
• Number of

As of 2021, the Ashanti and Greater Accra regions were the most populous in Ghana, each accounting for around six million inhabitants. Following these were the Central and Eastern regions, each registering 2.9 million people. Since 2010, the total population of Ghana has grown to reach almost 31 million people in 2021. In 2018, Ghana created six new regions in a referendum, bringing the total number of regions to 16.

As of 2021, Western North was the region in Ghana with the highest male population share, reaching 51.3 percent. On the other hand, female inhabitants were most populous in the Volta region, as they occupied a share of 52.3 percent of the region's total inhabitants. Overall, majority of the regions in Ghana had a lower male population in comparison to female ones.

Chart and table of Ghana population from 1950 to 2025. United Nations projections are also included through the year 2100.

Ghana Percentage of Population Exposure to Icing Days data was reported at 0.000 % in 2021. This stayed constant from the previous number of 0.000 % for 2020. Ghana Percentage of Population Exposure to Icing Days data is updated yearly, averaging 0.000 % from Dec 1990 (Median) to 2021, with 32 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 0.000 % in 2021 and a record low of 0.000 % in 2021. Ghana Percentage of Population Exposure to Icing Days data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Ghana – Table GH.OECD.GGI: Social: Air Quality and Health: Non OECD Member: Annual.

Ghana GH: Population: per 1 000 Inhabitants data was reported at 32,833.030 Person in 2021. This records an increase from the previous number of 32,180.400 Person for 2020. Ghana GH: Population: per 1 000 Inhabitants data is updated yearly, averaging 22,797.775 Person from Dec 1990 (Median) to 2021, with 32 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 32,833.030 Person in 2021 and a record low of 15,446.980 Person in 1990. Ghana GH: Population: per 1 000 Inhabitants data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Ghana – Table GH.OECD.GGI: Social: Demography: Non OECD Member: Annual.

Projected eligible LF-MDA population for 2024–2026.

In 2021, 8.3 million households were counted in Ghana. The number rose from 5.5 million in 2010, when the country conducted its previous population census. Overall, the number of households in Ghana increased steadily during the period observed.

Ghana administrative level 0-2 age and sex disaggregated 2021 population statistics

See caveats

These tables are suitable for database and GIS linkage to the Ghana - Subnational Administrative Boundaries.

• = ICT prevalence: & = mf prevalence. Baseline prevalence averaged from the mapping data available on the ESPEN website.

IPUMS-International is an effort to inventory, preserve, harmonize, and disseminate census microdata from around the world. The project has collected the world's largest archive of publicly available census samples. The data are coded and documented consistently across countries and over time to facillitate comparative research. IPUMS-International makes these data available to qualified researchers free of charge through a web dissemination system.

The IPUMS project is a collaboration of the Minnesota Population Center, National Statistical Offices, and international data archives. Major funding is provided by the U.S. National Science Foundation and the Demographic and Behavioral Sciences Branch of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Additional support is provided by the University of Minnesota Office of the Vice President for Research, the Minnesota Population Center, and Sun Microsystems.

The 2021 population and housing census in Ghana revealed that Pentecostal/Charismatic Christians were the largest religious group in Ghana, reaching a share of 31.6 percent. This translated into over 9.7 million of the country's population, an increase compared to the 2010 census year. The Islamic region followed with a nation-wide coverage of nearly 20 percent. Moreover, only 1.1 percent of the country's population had no religion, which was a decrease from the 5.3 percent in the previous census year.

Ghana GH: Prevalence of Severe Food Insecurity in the Population: % of population data was reported at 8.200 % in 2022. This records an increase from the previous number of 7.000 % for 2021. Ghana GH: Prevalence of Severe Food Insecurity in the Population: % of population data is updated yearly, averaging 6.100 % from Dec 2015 (Median) to 2022, with 8 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 8.200 % in 2022 and a record low of 5.100 % in 2015. Ghana GH: Prevalence of Severe Food Insecurity in the Population: % of population data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Ghana – Table GH.World Bank.WDI: Social: Health Statistics. The percentage of people in the population who live in households classified as severely food insecure. A household is classified as severely food insecure when at least one adult in the household has reported to have been exposed, at times during the year, to several of the most severe experiences described in the FIES questions, such as to have been forced to reduce the quantity of the food, to have skipped meals, having gone hungry, or having to go for a whole day without eating because of a lack of money or other resources.;Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO);;

Sensitivity analysis results of US$/per person treated with a change in exchange rateb'*'.

Ghana GH: Incidence of HIV: per 1,000 Uninfected Population Aged 15-24 data was reported at 0.770 Ratio in 2022. This records a decrease from the previous number of 0.890 Ratio for 2021. Ghana GH: Incidence of HIV: per 1,000 Uninfected Population Aged 15-24 data is updated yearly, averaging 1.430 Ratio from Dec 1990 (Median) to 2022, with 33 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 3.620 Ratio in 1992 and a record low of 0.770 Ratio in 2022. Ghana GH: Incidence of HIV: per 1,000 Uninfected Population Aged 15-24 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Ghana – Table GH.World Bank.WDI: Social: Health Statistics. Number of new HIV infections among uninfected populations ages 15-24 expressed per 1,000 uninfected population ages 15-24 in the year before the period.;UNAIDS estimates.;Weighted average;This is an age-disaggregated indicator for Sustainable Development Goal 3.3.1 [https://unstats.un.org/sdgs/metadata/].

As of 2021, nearly 70 percent of Ghana's population had a health insurance coverage. On the other hand, slightly over 31 percent of the people were not insured. The source also reported that the female population had a higher health insurance coverage rate than the male population.

This dataset contains includes measurements of trees and lianas stem diameters and status (e.g. alive, dead), and lightning strike data for forest areas within the Ankasa Conservation Area, collected between June 2018 and July 2021. We investigated tree mortality drive by lightning strikes in a 50-ha (1000 m x 500 m) plot area in the Ankasa Conservation Area, located in southwestern Ghana. The 50-ha was divided into 50 x 1-ha forest plots. In every census, we measured and tagged all trees and lianas that have a stem diameter at 1.3 m (or above buttresses) of ≥25 cm and notes were taken about the tree's living status (e.g., broken, hollow) or the trees death mode (e.g., uprooted, standing). Lightning strike data was collected from a subsample of the individual trees recorded in the census data. Full details about this dataset can be found at https://doi.org/10.5285/615481ab-e97d-4c73-9973-4fb80e5fb003

The urban population in Ghana reached roughly 19 million in 2021, around 58 percent of the country's total inhabitants. In the same year, approximately 13.8 million lived in rural areas. From 1990 onwards, Ghana's urbanization steadily gathered strength, eventually surpassing the rural population in 2009.

Key information about Ghana Foreign Direct Investment: % of GDP

• Ghana Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) registered a growth equal to 1.6 % of the country's Nominal GDP in Mar 2024, compared with a growth equal to 1.8 % in the previous quarter.
• Ghana Foreign Direct Investment: % of Nominal GDP data is updated quarterly, available from Mar 2011 to Mar 2024.
• The data reached an all-time high of 9.8 % in Sep 2012 and a record low 1.3 % in Mar 2023.

CEIC calculates quarterly Foreign Direct Investment as % of Nominal GDP from quarterly Foreign Direct Investment and quarterly Nominal GDP. The International Monetary Fund provides Foreign Direct Investment in USD. Ghana Statistical Service provides Nominal GDP in local currency. The Bank of Ghana average market exchange rate is used for currency conversions.


Related information about Ghana Foreign Direct Investment: % of GDP

• In the latest reports of Ghana, Current Account recorded a surplus of 1.4 USD bn in Dec 2024.
• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) increased by 380.3 USD mn in Mar 2024.
• Ghana Direct Investment Abroad fell by 4.7 USD mn in Mar 2024.
• Its Foreign Portfolio Investment fell by 308.1 USD mn in Dec 2021.
• The country's Nominal GDP was reported at 21.2 USD bn in Dec 2024.