Ghana is preparing to conduct its first fully digital Population and Housing Census (PHC), with data collection scheduled for June to July 2021.
For more information on the unique features of the 2021 Population And Housing Census, download the Basics of the Census document under the resources section of the census website https://census2021.statsghana.gov.gh/. The 2021 Population And Housing Census will be Ghana’s sixth post-independence census and third population and housing census.
A population and housing census is a priority national development programme as it anchors all national development interventions, given its unique attribute of capturing data on all persons in a country.
The Census will provide updated demographic, social and economic data to support national development activities and aid the tracking of global, continental and national development goals including the Sustainable Development Goals, Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the Coordinated Programme of Economic and Social Development Policies.
The 2021 PHC is a digital census that has brought with it several technological innovations to improve census implementation and the relevance, timeliness and quality of census data produced, including use of geo-spatial data to validate and complement census mapping work, deployment of a dashboard for data monitoring, and development of a mobile application to provide the public with regular updates on census activities.
Benefits of the Census
Censuses involve more than counting people. The 2021 PHC will provide updated demographic, social and economic data that will be used to determine the needs of the nation to inform decisions such as where we need to build schools for our children, how many hospitals are needed, and whether to provide treated sources of water. Businesses will also use the data to decide where to build new factories and open new offices that will create jobs (for more information on the benefits of census data, download 100 Ways Census Data will be Used brochure under the resources section of the website)
Key dates
13th June: Listing of Structures Begins. Enumerators willlocate every structure and write a unique serial number on the walls to identify each one. The structure number is very important for achieving comprehensive complete enumeration of all persons in Ghana. If the structure in which you live is not numbered by 20th June, please call the census call centre to report it. Every member of the public has a responsibility to ensure all structures in the country are listed.
27th June: Census Night. This is the reference period forall questions asked during the Census. Events such as durbars, tolling of church bells, road floats, media broadcasts and cultural shows will be organised in all communities to make the night memorable. Please look out for any of these events in your neighbourhood.
28th June: Enumeration of All Persons. Enumerators willcommence visits to places of residence to collect detailed information on the individuals that spent the Census Night there. Enumeration of persons will be concluded on 11th July 2021. Anyone who is unsure whether they have been enumerated or not should contact the Census officials via the call centre.
Support Required from the Public
- All members of the public are entreated to cooperate with and support the Census officials.
- Everyone must take note of the persons that spend the Census Night in their household.
- From 28th June to 11th July 2021, ensure that an adult member of the household or responsible member of the institution is available to provide the needed information. If this is not possible, please use the call-back card to schedule a convenient time to be visited or leave information with neighbours on when someone will be available.
- All adults should familiarise themselves with the questions to be asked so that they can provide complete and accurate answers on behalf of household members.
- The 2021 PHC will collect information on the following areas: Ghanaians living abroad; sociodemographic characteristics; literacy and education; economic activity; difficulties in performing activities; ownership and usage of ICT devices; children ever born to women 12 years or over; deaths of household members in the past 12 months; housing conditions and household amenities and assets; and sanitation.
- The 2021 PHC questionnaires are available on the census website under the resources section. Copies of the questionnaires are available from census website under the resources section.
Key Messaging on Census
- A census is the only national activity that gives every single person in the country a voice. For the next ten years, the information from this Census will determine how our nation’s resources will be used. When people and communities miss out on the census the resources meant for them will be misallocated. Therefore, all must endeavour to be counted.
- “You Count, Get Counted” is the slogan for the 2021 PHC. To ensure that everyone is counted, contact numbers will be provided to assist the public to communicate directly with Census officials.
- It is safe for all to participate in the census. Public safety and security measures will be in effect during the enumeration period. All the information collected will be strictly confidential. In addition, enumerators will have a valid census ID and observe all COVID-19 protocols when they visit.
- Take nothing for granted. We entreat all to endeavour to be counted. Please enquire from other household members whether an enumerator has visited to confirm that you have been counted. Note that an adult member of the household can answer questions on your behalf in your absence.
Contact information
Email: [email protected]
Call: +233 59 147 6895 or +233 59 147 6884
Follow us on social media: @Ghana2021Census
