The 2021 Ghana Population and Housing Census (PHC) with the slogan “you count, get counted” commenced on the night of June 27th.
To mark the official commencement of the census, Ghana Statistical Service held a colour Census Night at the Korle Klottey Municipality. Also, a float was observed through major streets of Accra to create awareness of the 2021 population and housing census.
The Ghana Statistical Service explained that “The Ghana 2021 Population and Housing Census (PHC) will consist of a population census and a housing census as one operation. The two censuses, though separate, constitute one statistical operation and they are not completely independent of each other because of the essential elements of each census which are common to both and are also with well-coordinated activities.” These two censuses are being carried out as one operation to provide accurate and matching information between the population and the living quarters of individuals for easy analysis and interpretation.
In the past months, President Akufo Addo appealed to Ghanaians to support and participate in this year’s housing and population census.
“I urge all persons, Ghanaians, and non-Ghanaians who will be in Ghana on the census night to be ready to welcome census officials into their communities and place of residence, and also provide the necessary information.”
It is worth stating that, Ghana has undergone five (5) post-independent population censuses (1960, 1970, 1984, 2000 and 2010) with the year 2000 and 2010 consisting of both a population census and a housing census. This makes the 2021 PHC the third Population and Housing Census to be conducted in Ghana.
This year’s PHC, according to the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta will cost the country GH¢521 million.
“Of the budget of GHS 521.3 million, the government has already disbursed GHS 467.2 million for the conduct of the 2021 Population and Housing Census. We will continue to ensure that the needed funds are provided to ensure a successful implementation,” Ken Ofori-Atta said at a forum in Accra.
What Ghanaians should expect
During this period, beginning June 28 to July 11 (the date the census ends), Ghanaians should expect census officials & enumerators) to visit their homes and administer a questionnaire to gather relevant information such as the demographic (age, sex, education, ethnicity, religion) of the household and the use of mobile technology and/or other Information Communication Technology (ICT) devices from the head of the household or any relevant adult in the household.
Ghanaians should also expect this year’s census to go digital. Thus, enumerators will be carrying along tablets to gather information, unlike the previous times in which pen and paper were used.
Ghana Statistical Service noted on its website that the information gathered will not be used “for identifying people for taxation or punitive purposes” but for policy and planning purposes.
