2021 census: 99% of households counted, the fiscal year ends on August 8

The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) reports that 99% of households were enumerated in 15 regions as of July 31 in the 2021 Population and Housing Census (PHC).

Professor Samuel Kobina Annim, government statistician, in an update on the ongoing census, said Greater Accra has a completion rate of 93% and enumeration has been completed in all districts except of eight districts of Accra, which recorded a completion rate of 95%. .

The districts are: Ga West, Kpone Katamanso, Ga North, Adentan Municipal, La Nkwatanang-Madina Municipal, Ga East, Tema West and Ledzokuku.

The government statistician announced that the census exercise has been extended for the third and final time from August 1 to 8, stating that “the Service will withdraw from the field on August 8, 2021”.

The first expansion started from Monday July 12 to July 18, while the second started from Monday July 19 to July 31.

He said the reasons for the final sweep included refusals to participate in the exercise and the difficulty of reaching people in restricted areas.

Professor Annim said census officials for the clean-up will be tagged and receive letters of introduction as identity cards for the main exercise expired on July 31, 2021 and those in doubt should call the number toll free 0800 426 426.

He said coverage has been assessed at three levels – community, households and people, noting that household validation and error correction is currently underway.

“Between now and August 8, we call on all people who have not yet been counted to use the official reporting channel.”

“The free numbers are 0800426426, 0591476895, 0206850157, 0591476893, 0591476884, 0206850157 and 0551625567,” he said.

PHC 2021 will provide important information to support the evidence-based implementation of the national development agenda and support monitoring of the achievements of the Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, among others.

It seeks to collect information on key issues including travel of household members who have migrated abroad, socio-demographic characteristics, literacy and education, economic activity.

Other indicators are difficulties in carrying out activities of daily living, possession and use of information and communication technology devices, children born to women aged 12 or over, death of limbs household during the past 12 months, housing conditions, sanitation and water source, lighting and cooking fuel.

PHC 2021 officially started on Sunday June 27th with the list of structures starting on Sunday June 13th 2021.