1 Presentation on the 2010 Population and Housing Census -Achievements and Challenges Ghana Statistical Service Accra 20 th August Republic of Ghana

2 Presentation outline The concept of a population and housing census Importance of a population census in national development Uniqueness of a Population Census Achievements Challenges Timeline: key dates 2

The concept of a population and housing census What: The census is a count of everyone residing in Ghana at a specific point in time. When: The 2010 Census date is 26 September, 2010 i.e. The Census Night. -All information to be collected in the Census will be in reference to this date Data collection will however last for about two weeks 3

The concept of a population and housing census cont. Who: All persons found within the borders of Ghana on the Midnight of 26 th September 2010 must be counted—people of all races and ethnic groups, both citizens and non- citizens. Categories of the population to be enumerated are: -Household population -Institutional population -Floating population 4

The concept of a population and housing census cont. Why: The census will show regional, districts and community population counts and determine the characteristics of the population in Ghana. How: Census questionnaires will be administered by a Census Enumerator in your homes- personal contact. Enumerators will visit households and institutions to count. Outdoor sleepers will be enumerated on Census Night, i.e. 26 th September

The concept of a population and housing census cont. A housing census is the total count of all living quarters in a country at a specific point in time. -All houses and other structures with the borders of Ghana will be listed and information on them taken -This years Census is both a population and housing census. This is the second time Ghana is conducting both a population and a housing census at the same time. The first was in

Census Coverage The 2010 PHC is to cover all persons and living quarters (houses, school buildings, kiosks, etc) within the borders of Ghana – including all infants, children, the aged, the sick as well as the mentally challenged 7

Uniqueness of a Population Census Individual enumeration – each individual is enumerated separately with their respective characteristics Universality – all individuals within the defined territory must be enumerated Simultaneity – enumeration, information and characteristics refer to a specific point in time for all (Census Night) Periodicity – should be taken at regular intervals (preferably every 10 years 8

9 9 Importance of Population and Housing Census in national dev’t.  Source of data on population & socio-economic characteristics, such as age, sex, educational, employment, etc  A unique source for small area data (up to the one person settlement) essential for regional and district level planning  Indispensable for objective allocation of government resources, the distribution of services, representation at all levels

Importance of Population and Housing Census in national dev’t. The 2010 Census will; 1.Provide data for planning at both national and sub-national level 2.Provide basic indicators for tracking Government developmental programmes on education, health, housing, etc 3.Provide indicators to track the progress of the MDGs 4.Provide the country with the opportunity of updating the national sampling frame (list of Enumeration Areas) 10

Achievements Maps to be used by field personnel to do the enumeration have been prepared Questionnaires and manuals have been developed Trainers of field personnel are being trained Field personnel are being selected Publicity on the Census has started Regional and District Census Offices and Committees have been set up 11

12 Challenges 1.Delay in the announcement of the Census Date - short time for publicity 2. Difficulties of some qualified applicants to register on line 12

Census Timeline: key dates August – media Launch and sensitization workshops August – Recruitment of field personnel August- Refresh course for District Level Trainers Census publicity in all localities

2010 Census Timeline: key dates 14 September- Census publicity intensified Sept. - training of field personnel Sept. -Listing of house/structures Sept – Enumeration of institutional population 26 th September –Census Night

2010 Census Timeline: key dates cont’d 26 September – Morning: Enumeration of patients in hospitals and health facilities – 7:00 pm-12:00 midnight- Enumeration of outdoor sleepers – Midnight 26 Sept. – Census night 27 Sept to 9 Oct – Enumeration of household population – Monitoring of field work 15

Thank you 16