Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu reports Ghanaians living abroad rose to 293,416

Government Statistician Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu has revealed that the number of Ghanaians registered as living abroad reached 293,416 during the 2021 Population and Housing Census. This figure represents a notable increase from the 250,624 Ghanaians recorded in the previous census conducted in 2010. The rise of 42,792 individuals over the eleven-year period highlights shifting migration patterns and the expanding reach of the Ghanaian diaspora across various continents.

According to the data released by Dr. Iddrisu, Europe continues to be the primary destination for Ghanaian migrants, hosting 37.6% of those living outside the country. The Americas follow as the second most popular region, accounting for 23.7% of the total diaspora population. Interestingly, migration within the West African sub-region remains significant, with 23% of registered Ghanaians abroad residing in other ECOWAS member states, demonstrating strong regional mobility.

The census results also provided a detailed breakdown of Ghanaians settled in other parts of the world, with approximately 10% living in African countries outside the ECOWAS bloc. Asia accounts for 4.7% of the diaspora, while Oceania, which includes countries like Australia and New Zealand, hosts the smallest portion at 0.7%. These statistics offer a comprehensive look at the geographical distribution of Ghana's citizens as the state seeks to better understand and engage with its population living in the global community.