Ghana's population projected to reach 34.4 million in 2026 – NPC

Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive development and data-driven governance at a United Nations dialogue on population, technology, research, and sustainable development.

Delivering a statement at the 59th Session of the Commission on Population and Development (CPD59) on April 13, 2025, the Executive Director of the National Population Council, Angelina Osei Kodua-Nyanor, highlighted demographic change and digital transformation as key drivers of inclusive growth, resilience, and human development.

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According to her, Ghana’s population is projected to reach 34.4 million in 2026.

“Ghana’s population is projected at 34.4 million in 2026, growing at an annual rate of 2.1 percent. Our population remains predominantly youthful, with 12.6 million people between the ages of 15 and 35, even as the proportion of older persons continues to rise, now at 6.5 percent,” she stated.

Kodua-Nyanor stressed the importance of harnessing the demographic dividend while ensuring dignity and well-being across all age groups, describing it as central to Ghana’s national development agenda.

“Harnessing the demographic dividend, while ensuring dignity and wellbeing across the life course, remains central to our national development agenda,” she said.

She noted that since the adoption of the ICPD Programme of Action, Ghana has made sustained investments in strengthening its population data ecosystem.

“Under the leadership of the Ghana Statistical Service, we have modernised data production through digital census operations and advanced analytics.

“Integrated administrative systems, including the national identification platform, are enhancing interoperability and improving the accuracy and timeliness of population statistics,” she explained.

Kodua-Nyanor further indicated that the country is advancing age-responsive policies.

She cited the National Ageing Policy, along with social protection programmes such as LEAP, as key interventions providing income support and health insurance to vulnerable older persons through biometric and digital payment systems.

She added that partnerships with academic institutions continue to promote research, advocacy, and social inclusion for older persons.

Watch the video below:

Statement by 🇬🇭Ms. Angelina Osei Kodua-Nyanor, Executive Director, National Population Council at the 59th session of the Commission on Population and Development, CPD59.@GhanaMFA @UNinGhana @Samykumah @GhanaPresidency @MiriamAbaArhin1 @EdnaStephanieW @El_Agyeman23 @nuongfaalong pic.twitter.com/w3ZMFG2eJH

— GhanaUN (@ghanamissionun) April 13, 2026