Ghana has a population of approximately 34 million people as of 2025, making it the 45th most populous country in the world and one of the largest nations in West Africa. This figure reflects decades of rapid growth from a base of fewer than 7 million at independence in 1957, and it places Ghana among the demographic heavyweights of sub-Saharan Africa.
How Many People Live in Ghana?
Ghana's roughly 34 million residents occupy a country about the size of the United Kingdom or the U.S. state of Oregon, situated on the Gulf of Guinea between Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, and Togo. The population translates to a density of around 143 people per square kilometre, though this is far from evenly spread. The southern coastal and forest belt — anchored by Accra and Kumasi — is densely settled, while the drier northern savanna regions are far more sparsely populated.
To put 34 million in perspective, Ghana has more people than countries like Australia, Saudi Arabia, or the Netherlands. Within Africa it sits behind giants such as Nigeria, Egypt, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, but ahead of many of its immediate neighbours, making it a regional anchor for trade, migration, and culture in West Africa.
Population Growth and Trends
Ghana's population is expanding at an annual rate of about 2.05%, which is high by global standards and means the country adds several hundred thousand people each year. At this pace the population would double in roughly 34 years. The growth has been remarkable in historical terms: from about 6.7 million at independence in 1957, Ghana's population has multiplied roughly fivefold in less than seven decades.
That growth, however, is gradually slowing as the country develops. The total fertility rate has fallen dramatically from around 7 children per woman in the 1980s to approximately 3.6 today, a sign of rising incomes, education, and urban living. Demographers project that Ghana will reach around 52 million people by 2050. This steady increase continues to put pressure on schools, hospitals, housing, and transport networks, especially in the fast-expanding capital region.
Largest Cities and Urbanisation
More than half of Ghanaians now live in urban areas, and three cities dominate the demographic map:
- Accra — the capital and economic hub, with roughly 2.5 million residents in the city proper and around 5 million across its metropolitan area. Perched on the Gulf of Guinea coast, it is one of West Africa's most important business and government centres.
- Kumasi — the historic heart of the Ashanti people, with about 3.3 million people in its metro area. It is famous for the sprawling Kejetia Market, one of the largest open-air markets in Africa.
- Tamale — the principal city of the north, home to around 400,000 people and one of the fastest-growing urban centres in the country, serving as a commercial gateway to the savanna regions.
This urban concentration in the south reflects the country's economic geography, where cocoa farming, mining, ports, and services cluster along the coast and in the forest belt.
Demographics and Society
Ghana is one of Africa's most ethnically diverse yet socially cohesive nations, with around 100 distinct ethnic groups. The largest are the Akan (about 47.5%), followed by the Mole-Dagbani (around 17%), the Ewe (about 14%), and the Ga-Dangme (around 7%). English is the official language, a legacy of British colonial rule, while indigenous languages such as Akan (Twi and Fante), Ewe, Ga, and Hausa are widely spoken in daily life.
Religiously, Ghana is majority Christian (about 71%), with a significant Muslim minority (around 18%) and a smaller share following traditional African beliefs (about 5%). The population is strikingly young, with a median age of roughly 21 years — meaning the majority of Ghanaians are children, teenagers, or young adults. This youthful structure gives the country a potentially powerful workforce in the decades ahead, provided enough jobs and education can be created. To learn more about the country's history, culture, and geography, see our ghana country guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Ghana in 2025?
Ghana's population is estimated at approximately 34 million people in 2025, ranking it as the 45th most populous country in the world and one of the largest in West Africa.
What is the largest city in Ghana?
Accra is the largest city and the national capital, with about 2.5 million residents in the city itself and roughly 5 million in the greater metropolitan area. Kumasi is the second-largest urban centre.
Is Ghana's population growing or shrinking?
Ghana's population is growing steadily at about 2.05% per year. Although the fertility rate has fallen sharply since the 1980s, the population is still expected to rise to around 52 million by 2050.
What is the most common ethnic group in Ghana?
The Akan are the largest ethnic group, making up roughly 47.5% of the population. They are concentrated in the southern and central forest regions and include subgroups such as the Ashanti and Fante.