The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has extended the deadline for the 2021 Population and Housing Census to Sunday, July 18.

This will allow enumerators complete work in the outstanding enumeration areas.

The exercise, which started on Monday, June 28, was expected to end today, July 11, 2021, in all sixteen (16) regions of the country.

This year’s census is said to be crucial for the nation in decision-making for development of the economy, especially due to the effects of the global Covid-19 pandemic.

Speaking at a press briefing held at GSS’ Headquarters on Sunday, Prof. Kwabena Annim added that “data on 80% of the expected households has been received as at the 12th day of enumeration.”

Out of the 16 regions, data has been received from 12 regions with the North East region recording the highest figure.

“Currently, the completion rates in some districts based on the data received by the 12th day indicate that the enumeration will have to continue.

“These include Ga West, Ga North, Ayawaso West Municipal, Adentan Municipal, Ga East, Ledzokuku, La Nkwantanang-Madina, Kpone Katamanso, Shai Osudoku and Tema West,” Government Statistician, Prof. Annim said.

Meanwhile, he indicated that “field closure activities have begun in Supervisory Areas where work has been completed.”

“GSS wishes to assure members of the public who are yet to be counted that no one will be left behind. Members of the public who are unwilling to be enumerated [should] cooperate with enumerators.

“For members who are yet to be counted, please make yourselves available by using the callback card or informing your neighbors when you will be available,” Prof. Annim appealed.

The briefings will be held regularly up to Friday, July 16.

Ghana and the Population and Housing Census

The 2021 PHC started with a listing exercise to identify and number all structures, an enumeration phase to enumerate (count and collect information on) all persons and a post-enumeration survey to evaluate the Census.

For the 2021 census, the country has been delineated into over 51,000 enumeration areas to facilitate complete coverage.

Ancillary geospatial data layers (satellite imagery, building footprints, scores of difficulty) were used to validate and complement the Census mapping work (including the use of interactive maps).

A list of over 131,000 localities across the country has also been compiled.

According to the Service, about 56.6% of earmarked households have been counted across the sixteen regions.

Delivering a “paperless census” for Ghana is a key feature in the 2021 PHC.

Adopting mobile data capture means changing from paper to an electronic questionnaire, affecting the entire census process.

Traditionally, censuses in Ghana have been conducted using paper questionnaires, manuals, and maps.

This innovation of using mobile devices means adopting a digital and environmentally friendly approach.

Going green will save the country the cost of printing over 7 million household questionnaires, the GSS said.