Some Demographic Characteristics of two rural communities in Southern Ghana

Abstract

A study of the demographic characteristics of two rural villages in Southern Ghana in 1987 showed an average rate of natural population increase of 3.8 percent compared to 3.2 per cent recorded nationally (1984 census data). The crude death rates and Infant Mortality rates were far lower than the figures usually quoted, although the birth rate was similar to the national average. It is suggested that if such rates exist in similar villages in Ghana, then official projections are underestimates and will have grave consequences on national development plans. It appears that Primary Health Care (PHC) has succeeded in reducing deaths but has not affected births. Family planning must, therefore, receive more attention.