A recent Study has raised concerns about the Population growth in Ghana, projecting that the country's population could double in approximately 30 years if the current annual growth rate of 2.1% continues. The study, part of the 2022 Social Development Outlook Projects, estimates that the population could reach 61.6 million by 2051.

Currently, Ghana's population is predominantly female, accounting for 50.7% of the total population. However, the study reveals a decline in the proportion of children in the population. The percentage of children aged 0-14 years has reduced from 41.3% in 2000 to 35.3% in 2021.

In addition, the study highlights a shift in the country's most populous Region. The Greater Accra Region has surpassed the Ashanti Region and emerged as the most populous region in Ghana in 2021.

The study also reveals a decline in the Total Fertility Rate (TFR), which dropped from 6.4 in 1988 to an estimated 3.7 children per woman in 2021. Furthermore, life expectancy at birth has increased from 57 years in 2000 to 64 years in 2020.

The report emphasizes the significant implications of Ghana's population growth for development planning. The changing population structure, with aging becoming more prominent, calls for careful consideration in policy decision-making to address the needs of both the youthful population and the well-being of the elderly.

The concentration of the population in certain regions, particularly in cities such as Accra, Tema, and Ashaiman, poses challenges in various areas including housing, sanitation, road traffic management, food security, and national security.

To address these challenges, the study recommends redirecting population movements from heavily congested cities to regions with lower population density. It also suggests implementing strategies to create job opportunities in those regions.

Policy recommendations from the study include strengthening the provision of the new pension scheme for individuals working in the informal sector through public education to encourage greater participation. Spatial economies of scale should also be considered to steer migration away from highly populated cities.

Furthermore, the study raises concerns about the influx of young migrants from the West African sub-region into Ghana. To address potential national security risks, collaboration among the Ministry of Interior, national security agencies, and the Ghana Immigration Service is recommended to conduct a study documenting these immigrants, determining their status based on the ECOWAS Protocol, and taking appropriate action.