Population and Housing Census expected to count 25 million people

Accra, May 21, GNA - Dr Grace Bediako, Government Statistician, on Thursday projected that about 25 million people would be counted during the Fifth Population and Housing Census expected to be conducted in March 2010.

She said the census, which is expected to cost the country about $48.9 million, would need about 50,000 field workers while over five million houses would be counted. Dr Bediako said this when the Chinese embassy donated 10 computers with accessories valued at about $10,000 dollars to the Ghana Statistical Service to help in the preparation for the census. She said the census data would allow for informed policy information that would aid programme implementation and socio-economic developments.

Dr Bediako said for diverse operations to be carried out in the right sequence and in timely manner, the Statistical Service was making sure the entire process was carefully planned using appropriate organizational and administrative procedures. Mr Yu Wenzhe, Chinese Ambassador in Ghana, said the census was important in developing countries because it would be the basis for correct decision making by government in the interest of its citizens. He said his government would continue to support the country in all sectors of the economy to strengthen the mutual relationship between the two countries.