Ghana

Ghana is a country in West Africa, bordering the Gulf of Guinea. It is a UN member state and a stable multi-party democracy in Sub-Saharan Africa. This profile gives you the core classification facts, then shows you how to verify current figures from primary sources so you never rely on a stale number.

Classification and Core Facts

The United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD) maintains the M49 standard, which assigns every territory a stable code for data work. These codes are classification identifiers, not political or territorial claims. Ghana’s M49 entries are:

• UN M49 code: 288
• ISO alpha-2: GH
• ISO alpha-3: GHA
• UN region: Africa
• UN subregion: Sub-Saharan Africa
• UN member state: Yes (member since 1957)
• World Bank capital field: Accra

Source: UN Statistics Division M49 overview (accessed [year]).

For classification work, the UN M49 overview at is the authoritative reference for regional groupings and territory codes. The World Bank API at returns territory metadata including the capital field (Accra for Ghana), income level, and lending category. Both are primary, citable sources.

How to Verify Current Figures

Every figure below is a snapshot, not a permanent fact. Population, currency, and economic indicators change year to year. To get the current numbers, use the named primary sources and note the reference year for each statistic.

Population

The most recent population figures for Ghana come from the Ghana Statistical Service and the United Nations Population Division. The UN publishes annual population estimates and projections; the World Bank mirrors these with its own indicator series (SP.POP.TOTL). The most recent UN estimate (2024 revision) is roughly 34.4 million people. The World Bank’s estimate for 2023 is about 34.1 million. These numbers differ because they come from different projection models and reference dates. Always cite the source and the reference year when you quote a population figure. The UN World Population Prospects publishes revised estimates every two years; the World Bank updates annually. Both are estimates, not exact counts.

The most recent official census was the 2021 Population and Housing Census, which recorded 30.8 million residents. Census counts and intercensal projections differ by definition: a census is an actual enumeration, while an estimate is a modeled projection between censuses. When citing population, always name the source and year: “UN DESA estimate, 2024 revision” or “Ghana Statistical Service census, 2021.” Do not mix the two.

Capital

Accra is the capital and largest city of Ghana, as listed in the World Bank territory profile and used in most international data systems. The United Nations M49 standard does not assign capitals; the capital is an administrative fact maintained by the World Bank and national sources. The World Bank territory API returns the capital field as Accra.

Languages

Ghana has no single official language. English is the official language used in government, education, and formal business. The territory has over 80 languages and dialects. Major indigenous languages include Akan (Twi and Fante), Ewe, Dagbani, Ga, and Nzema. The Bureau of Ghana Languages publishes official materials. For current language policy, check Ghana’s National Commission on Culture or the Ethnologue entry for Ghana. No single source gives a definitive count because the distinction between language and dialect is contested. The 2021 Population and Housing Census reports language use, but detailed language data may be years old. The CIA World Factbook (2025 edition) provides a concise language breakdown.

Currency

The Ghanaian unit is the Ghana cedi (GHS), issued by the Bank of Ghana. Exchange rates change daily; use the Bank of Ghana’s official rate or a reputable financial data provider for a current figure. The cedi was redenominated in 2007 (1 new cedi = 10,000 old cedis), a change that still causes confusion in older statistics.

Government and Economy

Ghana is a constitutional republic. The president is both head of state and head of government. The World Bank classifies Ghana as a lower-middle-income economy; verify the current income group on the World Bank territory page. For economic data, use the World Bank API and note the reference year. For political and administrative structure, use official government sources or the CIA World Factbook. For governance, use the World Bank’s Worldwide Governance Indicators. For political context, consult the Freedom House report for the most recent year.

Travel and Entry

Visa policy changes frequently. Check your own foreign ministry travel advisory and the IATA Travel Centre. Do not rely on third-party summaries.

Quick Facts (Classification, Not Live Figures)

UN M49 code: 288 ISO alpha-2: GH ISO alpha-3: GHA UN region: Africa UN subregion: Sub-Saharan Africa UN member state: Yes World Bank capital: Accra

Source Checklist

Population, languages, currency, government type, and economy all change over time. Do not trust a static number. For population and development indicators, use the UN Data portal or World Bank territory profile. For currency, check the Bank of Ghana’s official exchange rate page. For government structure, use the official Ghana government portal or the CIA World Factbook’s notes on government type. For travel requirements, check your own foreign ministry travel advisory and the IATA Travel Centre. For data definitions, use the UN M49 overview and the World Bank territory API. Always note the reference year next to any figure you cite.