Population: Estimated at 17.2 million in mid 1994, up from about 6.7
million in 1960; approximately half under age fifteen. Growth rate
more than 3% per year since 1980. The 1990 population density was
63 persons per square km; density was highest in the south-western
third of the country, thinnest in the centre and higher in the north.
About 33% urban in 1992.
Ethnolinguistic Groups: Approximately 100 ethnolinguistic groups,
all further subdivided into numerous cultural and linguistic units.
Major ethnic groups are the Akan, Ewe, Mole-Daghane , Guan, and Ga-Adangbe.
Languages belong either to Kwa or to Gur subfamily of Niger-Congo
language family. Kwa speakers, found to the south of Volta River,
include the Akan, Ewe, and Ga-Adangbe. Gur speakers live north of
Volta River and include the Grusi, Gurma, and Mole-Dagbane. English
is official language used in government, large-scale business, national
media, and school beyond primary level. Akan, Ewe, Ga, Nzema, Dagbane,
and Hausa (a trade language from Nigeria) also used in radio and television
broadcasting.
Religion: According to a 1985 estimate, 62% are Christian, 15%
Muslim, 22% indigenous or non-believers. Christians composed of
Protestants 25%, Methodists and Presbyterians especially numerous,
Roman Catholics 15%, Protestant Pentecostals 8%, and Independent
African Churches about 14%. Muslims mostly Sunni. Christianity predominates
in centre and south, Islam in the north.
Health: Large number of infectious diseases endemic to tropics,
including cholera, typhoid, tuberculosis, anthrax, pertussis, yellow
fever, hepatitis, trachoma, and malaria. Other diseases include
schistosomiasis, guinea worm, dysentery, onchocerciasis, venereal
diseases, and poliomyelitis. Malnutrition also widespread. Average
life expectancy 56 years in 1993. Severe shortage of hospital beds
and doctors. Since late 1980’s, government has emphasized
immunization and primary health care programs. Incidence of Acquired
Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) second highest in West Africa
and rising.
Education: Education system consists of primary (six years), junior
secondary (three years), senior secondary (three years) after reforms
of mid-1980s eliminated former middle schools, polytechnic institutions,
and four universities. Universal education remains an unrealised
goal, but most children have access to primary and junior secondary
schools. Local vernacular is a language of instruction on a primary
level, English thereafter. All students pay textbook fees. Enrolments
for 1990-1991: primary 1.8 million, junior secondary 609,000, senior
secondary 200,000. In 1989-1990 about 11,500 students attended polytechnic
schools. Enrolment in universities at Legon, Kumasi, and Cape Coast
totalled 9,251 in 1989-1990; in 1993 a fourth university opened
at Tamale. In early 1990s, the government instituted fees for boarding
and lodging, provoking student demonstrations. Adult literacy rate
reportedly about 40% in 1989.
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