Overpopulation In Ghana: Housing To The Rescue

Within the West African sub-region Ghana has been recognised as the preferred destination choice for migrants, raising concerns among policy makers, demographers and planners over how to meet the demands of these millions of people. Per the recent Population and Housing Census (PHC, 2021) report, Ghana’s population increased from 24.6 million in 2010 to 30.8 million in 2021. The population is expected to increase further than it is today, accordingly the National Population Council (NPC) had estimated the nation’s population to reach 45.8million and 50.2million by 2040 and 2050 respectively (NPC Rapid, 2015) based on the assumption that growth rate remains unchanged. As population increase continues, a demographic shift is manifested requiring urgent but coordinated action. According to the Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS, 2022) even though total fertility rate (TFR) declined significantly over the years from 6.4 births per woman in 1988 to 3.9 births per woman in 2022 (GSS, 2022) the rate of growth still poses significant threat to our political, socio-economic and environmental stability. This points to the fact that population increase cannot only be attributed to fertility but also migration.

Migration could have both local and foreign dimension. Comparatively the average ages of migrants are higher than those at point of destination a situation fuelling fertility. Each year more foreigners are attracted to Ghana by the friendly investment climate, the beautiful coastal stretch mingled with copious sunshine, colourful festive events, majestic old towns, forts and castles. However, many upon arrival chooses to stay due to a receptive tax regime, improving health care system, excellent democratic governance, diverse language and culture. Additionally, governmental support and commitment to develop as well as introduce new concepts under various agencies and funds to help engage new small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), restore dysfunctional start-ups and sustain Ghanaian icons particularly at the grass root level is commendable. Fortunately, such bold decisions not only boost the local economy but also puts money in the pockets of many, nurture wealth and foster the appetite for business. However, such a move could have serious consequences on the economy if not well planned – an overpopulation is eminent.

Currently, the Greater Accra region is growing faster than anticipated and bears ample testimony to the challenges of overpopulation. Approximately, 92% of its population live in urban areas with challenges of overpopulation staring at us daily. It is incontestable, overpopulation increases the incidence of poverty, unemployment as well as deplete our natural resources. Other consequences include pressure on housing, transportation, energy and delivery and management of essential public services. One major way to tackling overpopulation in Ghana is to keep building more storeys. The debate over high-rising buildings which was truncated in the past be revisited, ignited and vigorously pursued this time. This is because in the coming years problem of housing deficits resulting from high population growth is expected to be higher than it is today. We therefore ignore this solution at our own peril.

Again, a public-private partnership with leased government land for building high to medium-rise yet affordable housing is an option to be explored. This has added advantage of making the construction sector, road and housing, more vibrant and attractive, while at the same time providing tax incentives opening the avenue for ensuring compliance and standardization. These will significantly reduce the cost of housing particularly among those in the lower-income bracket, housing deficit and slum.

Overpopulation if unchecked will put burden on all of us for decades. It is for this reason combined with others that the National Population Council be resourced to deliver on its mandate and whiles at the same time constantly reminding ourselves the consequences of overpopulation before it is too late for time to act is now.

The writer is a population scientist
National Population Council, Ghana.
Reference
GSS (2022). Ghana demographic and health survey, 2022 Ghana Statistical Service - Accra; Ghana.

GSS (2021). Population and Housing Census, 2021 Ghana Statistical Service - Accra; Ghana.