Knelstrom Intelligence · World Factbook
Ghana
CapitalAccra
Population35,064,272
GDP$114.2bn
Area238,535 km²
RegionSub-Saharan Africa
Data sources current · last checked September 20, 2026 2:10 am
Country facts
Overview
Background
Ghana is a multiethnic country rich in natural resources and is one of the most stable and democratic countries in West Africa. Ghana has been inhabited for at least several thousand years, but little is known about its early inhabitants. By the 12th century, the gold trade started to boom in Bono (Bonoman) state in what is today southern Ghana, and it became the genesis of the Akan people's power and wealth in the region. Beginning in the 15th century, the Portuguese, followed by other European powers, arrived and competed for trading rights. Numerous kingdoms and empires emerged in the area, among the most powerful were the Kingdom of Dagbon in the north and the Asante (Ashanti) Empire in the south. By the mid-18th century, Asante was a highly organized state with immense wealth; it provided enslaved people for the Atlantic slave trade, and in return received firearms that facilitated its territorial expansion. The Asante resisted increasing British influence in the coastal areas, engaging in a series of wars during the 19th century before ultimately falling under British control. Formed from the merger of the British colony of the Gold Coast and the Togoland trust territory, Ghana in 1957 became the first Sub-Saharan country in colonial Africa to gain its independence, with Kwame NKRUMAH as its first leader.
Ghana endured a series of coups before Lt. Jerry RAWLINGS took power in 1981 and banned political parties. After approving a new constitution and restoring multiparty politics in 1992, RAWLINGS won presidential elections in 1992 and 1996 but was constitutionally prevented from running for a third term in 2000. John KUFUOR of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) succeeded him and was reelected in 2004. John Atta MILLS of the National Democratic Congress won the 2008 presidential election and took over as head of state. MILLS died in 2012 and was constitutionally succeeded by his vice president, John Dramani MAHAMA, who subsequently won the 2012 presidential election. In 2016, Nana Addo Dankwa AKUFO-ADDO of the NPP defeated MAHAMA, marking the third time that Ghana’s presidency had changed parties since the return to democracy. AKUFO-ADDO was reelected in 2020. In recent years, Ghana has taken an active role in promoting regional stability and is highly integrated in international affairs.
Reference: 2020, 2016, 2012, 2008Ghana endured a series of coups before Lt. Jerry RAWLINGS took power in 1981 and banned political parties. After approving a new constitution and restoring multiparty politics in 1992, RAWLINGS won presidential elections in 1992 and 1996 but was constitutionally prevented from running for a third term in 2000. John KUFUOR of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) succeeded him and was reelected in 2004. John Atta MILLS of the National Democratic Congress won the 2008 presidential election and took over as head of state. MILLS died in 2012 and was constitutionally succeeded by his vice president, John Dramani MAHAMA, who subsequently won the 2012 presidential election. In 2016, Nana Addo Dankwa AKUFO-ADDO of the NPP defeated MAHAMA, marking the third time that Ghana’s presidency had changed parties since the return to democracy. AKUFO-ADDO was reelected in 2020. In recent years, Ghana has taken an active role in promoting regional stability and is highly integrated in international affairs.
Geography
Location
Western Africa, bordering the Gulf of Guinea, between Cote d'Ivoire and Togo
Map references
Africa
Area
total: 238,533 sq km
land: 227,533 sq km
water: 11,000 sq km
land: 227,533 sq km
water: 11,000 sq km
Area - comparative
slightly smaller than Oregon
Land boundaries
total: 2,420 km
border countries: Burkina Faso 602 km; Cote d'Ivoire 720 km; Togo 1098 km
border countries: Burkina Faso 602 km; Cote d'Ivoire 720 km; Togo 1098 km
Coastline
539 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm
Climate
tropical; warm and comparatively dry along southeast coast; hot and humid in southwest; hot and dry in north
Terrain
mostly low plains with dissected plateau in south-central area
Elevation
highest point: Mount Afadjato 885 m
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
mean elevation: 190 m
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
mean elevation: 190 m
Natural resources
gold, timber, industrial diamonds, bauxite, manganese, fish, rubber, hydropower, petroleum, silver, salt, limestone
Land use
agricultural land: 55.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 20.7% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 11.9% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 22.8% (2023 est.)
forest: 30.7% (2023 est.)
other: 13.9% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 20.7% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 11.9% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 22.8% (2023 est.)
forest: 30.7% (2023 est.)
other: 13.9% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
360 sq km (2013)
Reference: 2013Major rivers (by length in km)
Volta river mouth (shared with Burkina Faso [s]) - 1,600 km
note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
Major watersheds (area sq km)
Atlantic Ocean drainage: Volta (410,991 sq km)
Population distribution
population is concentrated in the southern half of the country, with the highest concentrations on or near the Atlantic coast, as shown in this population distribution map
Natural hazards
dry, dusty, northeastern harmattan winds from January to March; droughts
Geography - note
Lake Volta is the world's largest artificial lake (manmade reservoir) by surface area (8,482 sq km; 3,275 sq mi); the lake was created after the Akosombo Dam was completed in 1965
Reference: 1965Population & Society
Nationality
noun: Ghanaian(s)
adjective: Ghanaian
adjective: Ghanaian
Ethnic groups
Akan 45.7%, Mole-Dagbani 18.5%, Ewe 12.8%, Ga-Dangme 7.1%, Gurma 6.4%, Guan 3.2%, Grusi 2.7%, Mande 2%, other 1.6% (2021 est.)
Reference: 2021Languages
Asante 16%, Ewe 14%, Fante 11.6%, Boron (Brong) 4.9%, Dagomba 4.4%, Dangme 4.2%, Dagarte (Dagaba) 3.9%, Kokomba 3.5%, Akyem 3.2%, Ga 3.1%, other 31.2% (2010 est.)
note: note: English is the official language
Reference: 2010note: note: English is the official language
Religions
Christian 71.3% (Pentecostal/Charismatic 31.6%, Protestant 17.4%, Catholic 10%, other 12.3%), Muslim 19.9%, traditionalist 3.2%, other 4.5%, none 1.1% (2021 est.)
Reference: 2021Age structure
0-14 years: 37.4% (male 6,527,386/female 6,400,245)
15-64 years: 58.2% (male 9,690,498/female 10,444,197)
65 years and over: 4.4% (2024 est.) (male 684,189/female 842,577)
Reference: 202415-64 years: 58.2% (male 9,690,498/female 10,444,197)
65 years and over: 4.4% (2024 est.) (male 684,189/female 842,577)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 71.8 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 64.2 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 7.6 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 13.2 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024youth dependency ratio: 64.2 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 7.6 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 13.2 (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 21.4 years (2024 est.)
male: 20.6 years
female: 22.3 years
Reference: 2024male: 20.6 years
female: 22.3 years
Population growth rate
2.15% (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Birth rate
27.6 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Death rate
5.9 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Population distribution
population is concentrated in the southern half of the country, with the highest concentrations on or near the Atlantic coast, as shown in this population distribution map
Major urban areas - population
3.768 million Kumasi, 2.660 million ACCRA (capital), 1.078 million Sekondi Takoradi (2023)
Reference: 2023Sex ratio
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.93 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female
total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Reference: 20240-14 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.93 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female
total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
22.1 years (2022 est.)
note: note: data represents median age at first birth among women 25-49
Reference: 2022note: note: data represents median age at first birth among women 25-49
Maternal mortality ratio
234 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Gross reproduction rate
1.75 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Drinking water source
improved: urban: urban: 98.4% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 74.1% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 88.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 1.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 25.9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 11.6% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 74.1% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 88.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 1.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 25.9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 11.6% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 4.2% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 7.4% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 7.4% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
0.27 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Reference: 2023Hospital bed density
0.7 beds/1,000 population (2015 est.)
Reference: 2015Sanitation facility access
improved: urban: urban: 85.7% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 55.3% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 73.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 14.3% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 44.7% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 26.9% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 55.3% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 73.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 14.3% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 44.7% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 26.9% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
10.9% (2016)
Reference: 2016Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 1.59 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 0.53 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.05 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0.39 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0.61 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019beer: 0.53 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.05 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0.39 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0.61 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Tobacco use
total: 2.8% (2025 est.)
male: 5.4% (2025 est.)
female: 0.3% (2025 est.)
male: 5.4% (2025 est.)
female: 0.3% (2025 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
12% (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022Currently married women (ages 15-49)
54.3% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Child marriage
women married by age 15: 3.3% (2022)
women married by age 18: 16.1% (2022)
men married by age 18: 2.4% (2022)
Reference: 2022women married by age 18: 16.1% (2022)
men married by age 18: 2.4% (2022)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 12 years (2022 est.)
male: 12 years (2022 est.)
female: 12 years (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022male: 12 years (2022 est.)
female: 12 years (2022 est.)
Migration & Displacement
Immigrant/emigrant stock measures the number of international migrants resident in, or originating from, the country; it is not the same as annual immigration/emigration flows.
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 17,334 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 4,937 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024IDPs: 4,937 (2024 est.)
Government & Politics
| Office | Holder | Affiliation | From | Status | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head of state | John Mahama | — | 2025-01-07 | Current | Reported |
| Head of government | Nana Akufo-Addo | — | 2017-01-00 | Current | Reported |
Country name
conventional long form: Republic of Ghana
conventional short form: Ghana
former: Gold Coast
etymology: named for a tribal chieftain who ruled a large part of the region prior to the 13th century, even though his territory was northwest of modern-day Ghana; the former name, Gold Coast, came from the gold that Portuguese explorers discovered in the region in the late 15th century
conventional short form: Ghana
former: Gold Coast
etymology: named for a tribal chieftain who ruled a large part of the region prior to the 13th century, even though his territory was northwest of modern-day Ghana; the former name, Gold Coast, came from the gold that Portuguese explorers discovered in the region in the late 15th century
Capital
name: Accra
geographic coordinates: 5 33 N, 0 13 W
time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: the name derives from the Akan word nkran, meaning "ant," and may refer to the nickname local forest dwellers gave to the Nigerian tribes who settled in the area in the 16th century
geographic coordinates: 5 33 N, 0 13 W
time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: the name derives from the Akan word nkran, meaning "ant," and may refer to the nickname local forest dwellers gave to the Nigerian tribes who settled in the area in the 16th century
Administrative divisions
16 regions; Ahafo, Ashanti, Bono, Bono East, Central, Eastern, Greater Accra, North East, Northern, Oti, Savannah, Upper East, Upper West, Volta, Western, Western North
Legal system
mixed system of English common law and customary law
Constitution
history: several previous; latest drafted 31 March 1992, approved and promulgated 28 April 1992, entered into force 7 January 1993
amendment process: proposed by Parliament; consideration requires prior referral to the Council of State, a body of prominent citizens who advise the president of the republic; passage of amendments to "entrenched" constitutional articles (including those on national sovereignty, fundamental rights and freedoms, the structure and authorities of the branches of government, and amendment procedures) requires approval in a referendum by at least 40% participation of eligible voters and at least 75% of votes cast, followed by at least two-thirds majority vote in Parliament, and assent of the president; amendments to non-entrenched articles do not require referenda
Reference: 1993, 1992amendment process: proposed by Parliament; consideration requires prior referral to the Council of State, a body of prominent citizens who advise the president of the republic; passage of amendments to "entrenched" constitutional articles (including those on national sovereignty, fundamental rights and freedoms, the structure and authorities of the branches of government, and amendment procedures) requires approval in a referendum by at least 40% participation of eligible voters and at least 75% of votes cast, followed by at least two-thirds majority vote in Parliament, and assent of the president; amendments to non-entrenched articles do not require referenda
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: no
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent or grandparent must be a citizen of Ghana
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent or grandparent must be a citizen of Ghana
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch
chief of state: President John Dramani MAHAMA (since 7 January 2025)
head of government: President John Dramani MAHAMA (since 7 January 2025)
cabinet: Council of Ministers; nominated by the president, approved by Parliament
election/appointment process: president and vice president directly elected on the same ballot by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 4-year term (eligible for a second term); the president is both chief of state and head of government
most recent election date: 7 December 2024
election results: 2024: John Dramani MAHAMA elected president in the first round; percent of vote- John Dramani MAHAMA (NDC) 56.5%, Mahamudu BAWUMIA (NPC) 41%, other 2.5%
2020: Nana Addo Dankwa AKUFO-ADDO reelected president in the first round; percent of vote - Nana Addo Dankwa AKUFO-ADDO (NPP) 51.3%, John Dramani MAHAMA (NDC) 47.4%, other 1.3% (2020)
expected date of next election: 7 December 2028
Reference: 2028, 2025, 2024, 2020head of government: President John Dramani MAHAMA (since 7 January 2025)
cabinet: Council of Ministers; nominated by the president, approved by Parliament
election/appointment process: president and vice president directly elected on the same ballot by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 4-year term (eligible for a second term); the president is both chief of state and head of government
most recent election date: 7 December 2024
election results: 2024: John Dramani MAHAMA elected president in the first round; percent of vote- John Dramani MAHAMA (NDC) 56.5%, Mahamudu BAWUMIA (NPC) 41%, other 2.5%
2020: Nana Addo Dankwa AKUFO-ADDO reelected president in the first round; percent of vote - Nana Addo Dankwa AKUFO-ADDO (NPP) 51.3%, John Dramani MAHAMA (NDC) 47.4%, other 1.3% (2020)
expected date of next election: 7 December 2028
Legislative branch
legislature name: Parliament
legislative structure: unicameral
number of seats: 276 (all directly elected)
electoral system: plurality/majority
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 4 years
most recent election date: 12/7/2024
parties elected and seats per party: National Democratic Congress (NDC) (183); New Patriotic Party (NPP) (88); Other (4)
percentage of women in chamber: 14.5%
expected date of next election: December 2028
Reference: 2028, 2024legislative structure: unicameral
number of seats: 276 (all directly elected)
electoral system: plurality/majority
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 4 years
most recent election date: 12/7/2024
parties elected and seats per party: National Democratic Congress (NDC) (183); New Patriotic Party (NPP) (88); Other (4)
percentage of women in chamber: 14.5%
expected date of next election: December 2028
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and 13 justices)
judge selection and term of office: chief justice appointed by the president in consultation with the Council of State (a small advisory body of prominent citizens) and with the approval of Parliament; other justices appointed by the president on the advice of the Judicial Council (an 18-member independent body of judicial, military and police officials, and presidential nominees) and on the advice of the Council of State; justices can retire at age 60, with compulsory retirement at age 70
subordinate courts: Court of Appeal; High Court; Circuit Court; District Court; regional tribunals
judge selection and term of office: chief justice appointed by the president in consultation with the Council of State (a small advisory body of prominent citizens) and with the approval of Parliament; other justices appointed by the president on the advice of the Judicial Council (an 18-member independent body of judicial, military and police officials, and presidential nominees) and on the advice of the Council of State; justices can retire at age 60, with compulsory retirement at age 70
subordinate courts: Court of Appeal; High Court; Circuit Court; District Court; regional tribunals
Political parties
All Peoples Congress or APC
Convention People's Party or CPP
Ghana Freedom Party or GFP
Ghana Union Movement or GUM
Great Consolidated Popular Party or GCPP
Liberal Party of Ghana or LPG
National Democratic Congress or NDC
National Democratic Party or NDP
New Patriotic Party or NPP
People's National Convention or PNC
Progressive People's Party or PPP
United Front Party or UFP
United Progressive Party or UPP
Convention People's Party or CPP
Ghana Freedom Party or GFP
Ghana Union Movement or GUM
Great Consolidated Popular Party or GCPP
Liberal Party of Ghana or LPG
National Democratic Congress or NDC
National Democratic Party or NDP
New Patriotic Party or NPP
People's National Convention or PNC
Progressive People's Party or PPP
United Front Party or UFP
United Progressive Party or UPP
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Victor Emmanuel SMITH (since 19 September 2025)
chancery: 3512 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 686-4520
FAX: [1] (202) 686-4527
email address and website: info.washington@mfa.gov.gh
https://washington.mfa.gov.gh/
consulate(s) general: New York
chancery: 3512 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 686-4520
FAX: [1] (202) 686-4527
email address and website: info.washington@mfa.gov.gh
https://washington.mfa.gov.gh/
consulate(s) general: New York
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Rolf OLSON (since 29 May 2025)
embassy: No. 24, Fourth Circular Road, Cantonments, Accra, P.O. Box 2288, Accra
mailing address: 2020 Accra Place, Washington DC 20521-2020
telephone: [233] (0) 30-274-1000
email address and website: ACSAccra@state.gov
https://gh.usembassy.gov/
Reference: 2025, 2020embassy: No. 24, Fourth Circular Road, Cantonments, Accra, P.O. Box 2288, Accra
mailing address: 2020 Accra Place, Washington DC 20521-2020
telephone: [233] (0) 30-274-1000
email address and website: ACSAccra@state.gov
https://gh.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
ACP, AfDB, ATMIS, AU, C, ECOWAS, EITI (compliant country), FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINURSO, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS (observer), OIF, OPCW, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNHRC, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNISFA, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNOOSA, UNSOM, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Independence
6 March 1957 (from the UK)
Reference: 1957National holiday
Independence Day, 6 March (1957)
Reference: 1957Flag
description: three equal horizontal bands of red (top), yellow, and green, with a large five-pointed black star centered in the yellow band
meaning: red stands for the blood shed for independence, yellow for the country's mineral wealth, and green for its forests and natural wealth; the black star is said to be the lodestar of African freedom
history: uses the colors of the Pan-African movement
note: note: similar to the flag of Bolivia, which has a coat of arms centered in the yellow band
meaning: red stands for the blood shed for independence, yellow for the country's mineral wealth, and green for its forests and natural wealth; the black star is said to be the lodestar of African freedom
history: uses the colors of the Pan-African movement
note: note: similar to the flag of Bolivia, which has a coat of arms centered in the yellow band
National symbol(s)
black star, golden eagle
National color(s)
red, yellow, green, black
National anthem(s)
title: "God Bless Our Homeland Ghana"
lyrics/music: unknown/Philip GBEHO
history: music adopted 1957, lyrics adopted 1966; the lyrics were changed twice, in 1960 when a republic was declared and after a 1966 coup
Reference: 1966, 1960, 1957lyrics/music: unknown/Philip GBEHO
history: music adopted 1957, lyrics adopted 1966; the lyrics were changed twice, in 1960 when a republic was declared and after a 1966 coup
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites: 2 (both cultural)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Forts and Castles, Volta, Greater Accra, Central and Western Regions; Asante Traditional Buildings
selected World Heritage Site locales: Forts and Castles, Volta, Greater Accra, Central and Western Regions; Asante Traditional Buildings
Government & Official Links
| Institution | Official website | X / Twitter | Verification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ghana official website | Official website | — | Reported · source Checked September 20, 2026 |
Institutional accounts only; personal accounts of political office-holders are excluded.
Legislature & Elections
Legislature
| Name | Chamber | Seats | Electoral system |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parliament of Ghana | — | 275 | — |
Economy
Economic overview
West African lower-middle income economy; major gold, oil and cocoa exporter; macroeconomic challenges following nearly four decades of sustained growth; recent progress in debt restructuring, fiscal reforms, financial stability, and curbing runaway inflation under 2023-26 IMF credit facility program
Reference: 2023Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024: $243.124 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $230.046 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $223.043 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $230.046 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $223.043 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2024: $7,100 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $6,800 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $6,700 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP per capita 2023: $6,800 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $6,700 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 20.7% (2024 est.)
industry: 28.8% (2024 est.)
services: 43.9% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Reference: 2024industry: 28.8% (2024 est.)
services: 43.9% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption: 84.1% (2024 est.)
government consumption: 4.8% (2024 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 9.8% (2024 est.)
investment in inventories: 0.2% (2024 est.)
exports of goods and services: 35.3% (2024 est.)
imports of goods and services: -34.1% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Reference: 2024government consumption: 4.8% (2024 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 9.8% (2024 est.)
investment in inventories: 0.2% (2024 est.)
exports of goods and services: 35.3% (2024 est.)
imports of goods and services: -34.1% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Agricultural products
cassava, yams, plantains, maize, oil palm fruit, taro, rice, oranges, pineapples, cocoa beans (2023)
note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Reference: 2023note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
mining, lumbering, light manufacturing, aluminum smelting, food processing, cement, small commercial ship building, petroleum
Industrial production growth rate
7.1% (2024 est.)
note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Reference: 2024note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Labor force
13.928 million (2024 est.)
note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Reference: 2024note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 5.4% (2024 est.)
male: 5.5% (2024 est.)
female: 5.3% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Reference: 2024male: 5.5% (2024 est.)
female: 5.3% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Population below poverty line
23.4% (2016 est.)
note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Reference: 2016note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2016: 43.5 (2016 est.)
note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Reference: 2016note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Average household expenditures
on food: 39.1% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco: 0.4% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023on alcohol and tobacco: 0.4% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%: 1.6% (2016 est.)
highest 10%: 32.2% (2016 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Reference: 2016highest 10%: 32.2% (2016 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Remittances
Remittances 2023: 3% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 2.8% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2021: 2.4% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Remittances 2022: 2.8% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2021: 2.4% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget
revenues: $11.684 billion (2022 est.)
expenditures: $19.102 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Reference: 2022expenditures: $19.102 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Public debt
Public debt 2016: 73.4% of GDP (2016 est.)
Reference: 2016Taxes and other revenues
12.3% (of GDP) (2022 est.)
note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Reference: 2022note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Current account balance
Current account balance 2023: $1.407 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$1.741 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: -$2.541 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Current account balance 2022: -$1.741 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: -$2.541 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2023: $25.365 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $25.52 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $23.901 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Exports 2022: $25.52 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $23.901 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
Switzerland 24%, UAE 18%, India 8%, South Africa 7%, China 7% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
gold, crude petroleum, cocoa beans, manganese ore, cocoa paste (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2023: $26.024 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $26.329 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $25.967 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Imports 2022: $26.329 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $25.967 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
China 30%, Netherlands 8%, India 5%, USA 5%, Russia 5% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, cars, plastics, plastic products, footwear (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $3.624 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $5.205 billion (2022 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2021: $9.917 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $5.205 billion (2022 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2021: $9.917 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Debt - external
Debt - external 2023: $29.241 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Exchange rates
Currency: cedis (GHC) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2023: 11.02 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 8.272 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 5.806 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 5.596 (2020 est.)
Exchange rates 2019: 5.217 (2019 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020Exchange rates 2023: 11.02 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 8.272 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 5.806 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 5.596 (2020 est.)
Exchange rates 2019: 5.217 (2019 est.)
Trade
Current account balance
Current account balance 2023: $1.407 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$1.741 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: -$2.541 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Current account balance 2022: -$1.741 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: -$2.541 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2023: $25.365 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $25.52 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $23.901 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Exports 2022: $25.52 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $23.901 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
Switzerland 24%, UAE 18%, India 8%, South Africa 7%, China 7% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
gold, crude petroleum, cocoa beans, manganese ore, cocoa paste (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2023: $26.024 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $26.329 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $25.967 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Imports 2022: $26.329 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $25.967 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
China 30%, Netherlands 8%, India 5%, USA 5%, Russia 5% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, cars, plastics, plastic products, footwear (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Energy & Resources
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 5.519 million kW (2023 est.)
consumption: 19.534 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 2 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 48.449 million kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 2.796 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 19.534 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 2 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 48.449 million kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 2.796 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels: 61.5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 0.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 37.8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023solar: 0.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 37.8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Coal
consumption: 51,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
exports: 21 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 52,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023exports: 21 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 52,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum
total petroleum production: 176,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
refined petroleum consumption: 96,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 660 million barrels (2021 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2021refined petroleum consumption: 96,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 660 million barrels (2021 est.)
Natural gas
production: 3.116 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
consumption: 3.755 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
imports: 639.204 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 22.653 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2021consumption: 3.755 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
imports: 639.204 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 22.653 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 10.493 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Infrastructure
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 320,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 1 (2023 est.) less than 1
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 1 (2023 est.) less than 1
Health
Maternal mortality ratio
234 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 4.2% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 7.4% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 7.4% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
0.27 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Reference: 2023Hospital bed density
0.7 beds/1,000 population (2015 est.)
Reference: 2015Obesity - adult prevalence rate
10.9% (2016)
Reference: 2016Tobacco use
total: 2.8% (2025 est.)
male: 5.4% (2025 est.)
female: 0.3% (2025 est.)
male: 5.4% (2025 est.)
female: 0.3% (2025 est.)
Education
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 12 years (2022 est.)
male: 12 years (2022 est.)
female: 12 years (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022male: 12 years (2022 est.)
female: 12 years (2022 est.)
Rights, Freedoms & Society
Press & Media Freedom
V-Dem expert-coded/modelled source measures. Knelstrom does not create a press-freedom ranking or composite score.
LGBTQ+ Rights & Law
Concrete legal-status fields only; Knelstrom does not generate an LGBTQ rights score or country ranking.
Source: Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory (CC BY-SA 4.0). Community-edited legal-status summary; retrieved by Knelstrom and not legal advice.
Crime & Justice
Legal system
mixed system of English common law and customary law
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and 13 justices)
judge selection and term of office: chief justice appointed by the president in consultation with the Council of State (a small advisory body of prominent citizens) and with the approval of Parliament; other justices appointed by the president on the advice of the Judicial Council (an 18-member independent body of judicial, military and police officials, and presidential nominees) and on the advice of the Council of State; justices can retire at age 60, with compulsory retirement at age 70
subordinate courts: Court of Appeal; High Court; Circuit Court; District Court; regional tribunals
judge selection and term of office: chief justice appointed by the president in consultation with the Council of State (a small advisory body of prominent citizens) and with the approval of Parliament; other justices appointed by the president on the advice of the Judicial Council (an 18-member independent body of judicial, military and police officials, and presidential nominees) and on the advice of the Council of State; justices can retire at age 60, with compulsory retirement at age 70
subordinate courts: Court of Appeal; High Court; Circuit Court; District Court; regional tribunals
Military & Security
Military and security forces
Ghana Armed Forces (GAF): Army, Air Force, Ghana Navy
Ministry of Interior: Ghana Police Service (2025)
note: note: the GAF also has a Medical Service/Corps
Ministry of Interior: Ghana Police Service (2025)
note: note: the GAF also has a Medical Service/Corps
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2024: 0.4% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 0.4% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 0.4% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 0.5% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 0.4% of GDP (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Military Expenditures 2023: 0.4% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 0.4% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 0.5% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 0.4% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
estimated 15-20,000 active Armed Forces (2025)
note: note: over the past decade, Ghana has sought to increase the size of the GAF, particularly the Army, which has added a number of new units
note: note: over the past decade, Ghana has sought to increase the size of the GAF, particularly the Army, which has added a number of new units
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the military's inventory is a mix of older and some newer Chinese, Russian, and Western equipment, including US, which has donated items such as patrol boats; the government in recent years has committed to an increase in funding for equipment acquisitions, including armor, mechanized, and special forces capabilities for the Army, light attack aircraft for the Air Force, and more modern coastal patrol vessels for the Navy (2024)
Reference: 2024Military service age and obligation
18-27 years of age for voluntary military service, with basic education certificate; no conscription (2024)
note: note: as of 2024, women comprised approximately 15% of the military; Ghanaian women first began serving in the late 1950s
Reference: 2024note: note: as of 2024, women comprised approximately 15% of the military; Ghanaian women first began serving in the late 1950s
Military deployments
875 Lebanon (UNIFIL); 725 (plus about 275 police) South Sudan (UNMISS); 670 Sudan (UNISFA) (2025)
note: note: since sending a contingent of troops to the Congo in 1960, the military has been a regular contributor to African- and UN-sponsored peacekeeping missions
Reference: 2025, 1960note: note: since sending a contingent of troops to the Congo in 1960, the military has been a regular contributor to African- and UN-sponsored peacekeeping missions
Military - note
the military’s primary missions are border defense, assisting with internal security, peacekeeping, and protecting the country’s territorial waters, particularly its offshore oil and gas infrastructure; it has benefited from cooperation with foreign partners, such as the UK and the US, and experience gained from participation in multiple international peacekeeping missions
in recent years, Ghana has expanded the Army and reinforced its presence in the northern part of the country to shore up porous borders, interdict smuggling routes, and counter threats from the terrorist organization Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), a coalition of al-Qa'ida linked militant groups which has a considerable presence in Burkina Faso and has conducted attacks in Cote d'Ivoire and Togo; Ghana has also made efforts to increase the Navy's capabilities to protect its maritime claims and counter threats such as piracy and illegal fishing (2025)
in recent years, Ghana has expanded the Army and reinforced its presence in the northern part of the country to shore up porous borders, interdict smuggling routes, and counter threats from the terrorist organization Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), a coalition of al-Qa'ida linked militant groups which has a considerable presence in Burkina Faso and has conducted attacks in Cote d'Ivoire and Togo; Ghana has also made efforts to increase the Navy's capabilities to protect its maritime claims and counter threats such as piracy and illegal fishing (2025)
International Relations
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Victor Emmanuel SMITH (since 19 September 2025)
chancery: 3512 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 686-4520
FAX: [1] (202) 686-4527
email address and website: info.washington@mfa.gov.gh
https://washington.mfa.gov.gh/
consulate(s) general: New York
chancery: 3512 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 686-4520
FAX: [1] (202) 686-4527
email address and website: info.washington@mfa.gov.gh
https://washington.mfa.gov.gh/
consulate(s) general: New York
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Rolf OLSON (since 29 May 2025)
embassy: No. 24, Fourth Circular Road, Cantonments, Accra, P.O. Box 2288, Accra
mailing address: 2020 Accra Place, Washington DC 20521-2020
telephone: [233] (0) 30-274-1000
email address and website: ACSAccra@state.gov
https://gh.usembassy.gov/
Reference: 2025, 2020embassy: No. 24, Fourth Circular Road, Cantonments, Accra, P.O. Box 2288, Accra
mailing address: 2020 Accra Place, Washington DC 20521-2020
telephone: [233] (0) 30-274-1000
email address and website: ACSAccra@state.gov
https://gh.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
ACP, AfDB, ATMIS, AU, C, ECOWAS, EITI (compliant country), FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINURSO, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS (observer), OIF, OPCW, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNHRC, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNISFA, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNOOSA, UNSOM, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Treaties & Organisations
| Organisation | Status | Joined |
|---|---|---|
| African Union (AU) | member | — |
| Commonwealth of Nations (Commonwealth) | member | 1957-00-00 |
| United Nations (UN) | member | 1957-03-08 |
| World Trade Organization (WTO) | member | — |
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
International organization participation
ACP, AfDB, ATMIS, AU, C, ECOWAS, EITI (compliant country), FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINURSO, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS (observer), OIF, OPCW, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNHRC, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNISFA, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNOOSA, UNSOM, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Conflict & Security
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 17,334 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 4,937 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024IDPs: 4,937 (2024 est.)
Transportation & Logistics
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
9G
Airports
11 (2025)
Heliports
7 (2025)
Railways
total: 947 km (2022)
narrow gauge: 947 km (2022) 1.067-m gauge
Reference: 2022narrow gauge: 947 km (2022) 1.067-m gauge
Merchant marine
total: 52 (2023)
by type: general cargo 8, oil tanker 3, other 41
Reference: 2023by type: general cargo 8, oil tanker 3, other 41
Ports
total ports: 4 (2024)
large: 0
medium: 1
small: 1
very small: 2
ports with oil terminals: 3
key ports: Saltpond, Sekondi, Takoradi, Tema
Reference: 2024large: 0
medium: 1
small: 1
very small: 2
ports with oil terminals: 3
key ports: Saltpond, Sekondi, Takoradi, Tema
Environment
Environmental issues
drought in north; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; poaching and habitat destruction; water pollution; inadequate potable water
International environmental agreements
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation
Reference: 2006signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation
Climate
tropical; warm and comparatively dry along southeast coast; hot and humid in southwest; hot and dry in north
Land use
agricultural land: 55.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 20.7% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 11.9% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 22.8% (2023 est.)
forest: 30.7% (2023 est.)
other: 13.9% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 20.7% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 11.9% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 22.8% (2023 est.)
forest: 30.7% (2023 est.)
other: 13.9% (2023 est.)
Urbanization
urban population: 59.2% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 3.06% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2020rate of urbanization: 3.06% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
total emissions: 20.822 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from coal and metallurgical coke: 107,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 13.349 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 7.366 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023from coal and metallurgical coke: 107,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 13.349 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 7.366 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
43.4 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Methane emissions
energy: 164.9 kt (2022-2024 est.)
agriculture: 166.7 kt (2019-2021 est.)
waste: 134 kt (2019-2021 est.)
other: 28.1 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022, 2021, 2019agriculture: 166.7 kt (2019-2021 est.)
waste: 134 kt (2019-2021 est.)
other: 28.1 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually: 3.538 million tons (2024 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 13.3% (2022 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 13.3% (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal
municipal: 299.6 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
industrial: 95 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural: 1.07 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022industrial: 95 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural: 1.07 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total renewable water resources
56.2 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022Communications & Media
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 320,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 1 (2023 est.) less than 1
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 1 (2023 est.) less than 1
Broadcast media
state-owned TV station, 2 state-owned radio networks; several privately owned TV stations and a large number of privately owned radio stations; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are accessible; several cable and satellite TV subscription services are obtainable
Internet country code
.gh
Historical Trends
Population
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Population data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 29,356,742 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 30,008,354 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 30,637,585 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 31,258,945 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 31,887,809 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 32,518,665 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 33,149,152 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 33,787,914 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 34,427,414 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 35,064,272 | world_bank_wdi |
GDP (current US$)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View GDP (current US$) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $56,144,179,398 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | $60,385,409,435 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | $67,259,353,966 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | $68,352,629,246 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | $70,008,243,860 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | $79,514,204,730 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | $73,919,003,212 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | $80,547,146,876 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | $83,288,585,604 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | $114,209,905,279 | world_bank_wdi |
International migrant stock (immigrants)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International migrant stock (immigrants) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 476,412 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 532,286 | world_bank_wdi |
International emigrant stock
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International emigrant stock data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 344,686 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 1995 | 361,700 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2000 | 445,447 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2005 | 606,700 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2010 | 718,300 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2015 | 846,131 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2020 | 963,019 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2024 | 1,055,494 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
Net migration
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Net migration data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 7,009 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | -4,913 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | -19,375 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | -21,857 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | -291 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | -11,259 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | -10,003 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | -10,003 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | -13,114 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | -17,079 | world_bank_wdi |
Sources & Methodology
Current statistical observations include their reference period and provenance. Reference fields from approved source datasets are attributed below. Missing information is left unknown rather than inferred.
| Indicator | Value | Period | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 35,064,272 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| UN Population Division population estimate | 35,697,557 | 2026 | UN Population Division Data Portal | Estimated |
| Wikidata population (fallback) | 32,833,031 | 2021 | Wikidata | Reported |
| International migrant stock (immigrants) | 532,286 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International migrant stock | 1.5% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International emigrant stock | 1,055,494 | 2024 | UN DESA International Migrant Stock 2024 | Estimated |
| Net migration | -17,079 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Refugees hosted | 21,050 | 2025 | UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics | Verified |
| Asylum seekers hosted | 475 | 2025 | UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics | Verified |
| Refugees from this country | 16,030 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Asylum seekers from this country | 22,470 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Freedom of expression & alternative information index | 0.896 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Government censorship effort — media | 1.494 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Harassment of journalists | 2.004 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Print/broadcast media critical of government | 1.317 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Range of perspectives in major media | 1.755 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media bias | 1.709 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media self-censorship | 2.213 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Same-sex sexual activity | No Male illegal since 1 January 1893 (as the Gold Coast); Penalty: Up to 3 years imprisonment (repeal proposed); Yes Female legal, Criminalization pending 2024 | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Recognition of same-sex relationships | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex marriage | No Constitutional ban since 1992 | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex adoption | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Open military service | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law | Yes / No Limited protections. | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Gender identity / expression law | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| GDP (current US$) | $114,209,905,279 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP per capita (current US$) | $3,257 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP growth | 6.0% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Inflation, consumer prices | 14.2% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Unemployment | 3.0% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Income level | Lower middle income | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Life expectancy at birth | 65.7 years | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fertility rate | 3.3 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Urban population | 58.9% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Individuals using the Internet | 72.2% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Exports of goods and services | 35.1% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Imports of goods and services | 33.9% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Trade | 69.0% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Adult literacy rate | 76.5% | 2021 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secondary school enrolment, gross | 75.7% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Government education expenditure | 2.9% | 2022 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Access to electricity | 91.9% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Electric power consumption | 565 kWh/person | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Renewable energy consumption | 39.0% | 2021 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Current health expenditure | 2.9% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Infant mortality rate | 27.5 per 1,000 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Forest area | 35.2% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Mobile cellular subscriptions | 113.6 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fixed broadband subscriptions | 0.7 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secure Internet servers | 49 per million | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude | 5.5705° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Longitude | -0.2080° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude (Wikidata) | 7.9465° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Longitude (Wikidata) | -1.0232° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Time zone | UTC±00:00, Africa/Accra | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Form of government | democracy | current | Wikidata | Reported |
Data attribution
Credits below are generated from sources actually used by this country profile. Source-specific terms take precedence.
- CIA World Factbook, final 2025 country profile (structured via factbook.json). Accessed September 20, 2026. U.S. Government public-domain data; retained as a reference source where a newer approved field is not available. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, International Migrant Stock 2024; data access/processing via Our World in Data. Accessed September 20, 2026. Underlying UN dataset used under CC BY 3.0 IGO. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, World Population Prospects (WPP indicator 49) Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 3.0 IGO; current-year WPP population values are presented as estimates/projections where applicable. Source · Terms/licence
- UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics Database. Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 4.0 except where a dataset identifies a different source or licence. Source · Terms/licence
- Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem), Country-Year Dataset v16 (variables: v2mebias, v2mecenefm, v2mecrit, v2meharjrn, v2merange, v2meslfcen, v2x_freexp_altinf) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0; V-Dem measures are expert-coded/modelled and no V-Dem endorsement is implied. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikidata structured data (CC0). Accessed September 20, 2026. Attribution is provided by Knelstrom for provenance although CC0 does not require it. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikipedia, “LGBTQ rights by country or territory” (source revision/data fields: Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Gender identity / expression law, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Open military service, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Recognition of same-sex relationships, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex adoption, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex marriage, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex sexual activity, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Knelstrom changes formatting and presents the imported material as a community-edited legal-status summary, not legal advice or a Knelstrom rights score. Source · Terms/licence
- World Bank, World Development Indicators (series: AG.LND.FRST.ZS, country_metadata, EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS, EG.FEC.RNEW.ZS, EG.USE.ELEC.KH.PC, FP.CPI.TOTL.ZG, IT.CEL.SETS.P2, IT.NET.BBND.P2, IT.NET.SECR.P6, IT.NET.USER.ZS, NE.EXP.GNFS.ZS, NE.IMP.GNFS.ZS, NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS, NY.GDP.MKTP.CD, NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG, NY.GDP.PCAP.CD, SE.ADT.LITR.ZS, SE.SEC.ENRR, SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS, SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS, SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS, SM.POP.ASYS.EO, SM.POP.NETM, SM.POP.RHCR.EO, SM.POP.TOTL, SM.POP.TOTL.ZS, SP.DYN.IMRT.IN, SP.DYN.LE00.IN, SP.DYN.TFRT.IN, SP.POP.TOTL, SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS) Accessed September 20, 2026. Data used under CC BY 4.0; Knelstrom presentation/formatting may differ from the source. Source · Terms/licence
Knelstrom does not imply endorsement by any listed data provider.
Last automated statistical refresh: 2026-09-20 02:05:15