Ghana’s Demography: Evolution and Implications for Development

This book provides a comprehensive analysis of Ghana’s evolving demographic landscape, the complex interplay between population trends and social development, and the strategic interventions needed to harness demographic shifts for sustainable development. The book traces historical and modern shifts in fertility, mortality, and migration and the emerging issues posed by these shifts. It further presents a detailed analysis of key drivers and consequences of population change including urbanisation, the demographic dividend, population ageing, literacy and education, poverty, population health and nutrition, and the environment. Each chapter includes an analysis of trends and patterns in the thematic area and highlights the implications for policy and development. The book emphasises the importance of the integration of population factors into development planning across various sectors, and in alignment with national policies and international frameworks such as the African Union Agenda 2063, and the Sustainable Development Goals. Built on decades of research and interdisciplinary collaboration, this work offers data-driven recommendations and forms a critical resource for academics, practitioners, as well as policymakers seeking evidence-based strategies. By examining key population variables and social indicators of policy relevance, the book offers critical insights into how demographic changes shape economic opportunities, social policies, and the well-being of individuals across generations. While focused on Ghana, the book also offers valuable perspectives on broader demographic transitions across sub-Saharan Africa and other developing regions, making it relevant to scholars and policymakers worldwide who seek to understand and leverage demographic change for economic and social advancement. This book is being published to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the University of Ghana’s Regional Institute for Population Studies (RIPS).

Ayaga A. Bawah is a demographer and faculty member of the Regional Institute for Population Studies, University of Ghana, and Research Affiliate of the Population Studies Center, University of Pennsylvania. He has expertise in population and health research in Africa, particularly in research methodology, longitudinal data analysis and modelling of demographic processes, and evaluation of health interventions including maternal and child health. Prior to joining University of Ghana, he was an Assistant Professor at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, New York. He previously worked with the INDEPTH Network and the Navrongo Health Research Centre, both in Ghana. He is a member of Ghana’s Food and Drugs Authority’s Technical Advisory Committee on Clinical Trials (TAC-CT) and the Human Heredity and Health in Africa (H3Africa) Data and Biospecimen Access Committee. He holds Master of Arts (MA) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees in Demography from the University of Pennsylvania, USA, and a Master of Arts (MA) in Population Studies and a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Geography and Resource Development from the University of Ghana.

Stephen O. Kwankye is an Associate Professor of the Regional Institute for Population Studies (RIPS) at the University of Ghana, Legon. He is a Demographer and Population Scientist and holds a PhD in Population Studies with specialisation in adolescent sexual and reproductive health issues. Between 2011 and 2014, he was the Executive Director of the National Population Council of Ghana. He was a member of the technical team that developed the Ghana National Migration Policy and its Strategic Plan in 2012-2014. He was also a member of the Pentecost University Council from 2014 to 2024. He has coordinated many research grants and projects and has several academic publications to his credit. He was a member of the 2021 Technical Advisory Committee of the 2021 Ghana Population and Housing Census and has provided technical support to many agencies to develop their Institutional Strategic Plans. His research interests are in adolescent sexual and reproductive health, child and youth migration, population dynamics and the demographic dividend, and the civil registration system. He is a member of the Union of African Population Studies (UAPS), the International Union for the Scientific Study of Population (IUSSP) and the African Child and Youth Migration Research Network.

Pearl S. Kyei is a social demographer with an interest in studying human capital investments in sub-Saharan Africa and understanding social inequality. She is also interested in building the statistical literacy of data users and improving decision-making and policy development through research utilisation. She earned her BA in Economics at Davidson College before pursuing an MA and a PhD in Demography at the University of Pennsylvania, where she studied the economic and social demography of households. Over the years, Pearl has developed her career through teaching, practical research, and the translation of research findings for non-technical audiences. She currently works as a Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana’s Regional Institute for Population Studies. In this role, she balances classroom teaching with research projects that aim to connect academic findings to solving real-world challenges. Her current research focuses on promoting child well-being, improving education quality, and strengthening health systems in underserved areas.