Ghana Dependency Ratio
Age dependency ratio (% of working-age population) SP.POP.DPND
Ghana's dependency ratio was 64.52 in 2025, ranked 57th globally. This represents a 1.3% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Ghana's dependency ratio stood at 64.52 in 2025, a decline of +0.84 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 64.52 by 2025. Ghana ranked 57th globally.
Ghana’s total dependency ratio has fallen sharply over the 66‑year series, dropping from a high of 106.58 in 1970 to 64.52 in 2025, the lowest point recorded and the 57th lowest among 2025 country‑level observations. The decline reflects a long‑term demographic transition in which the proportion of children and elderly relative to the working‑age population has steadily contracted, aided by declining fertility and rising life expectancy. By 2025 Ghana’s ratio of 64.52 is closely aligned with Kenya’s 64.44 and only marginally above the Marshall Islands’ 65.14, indicating that its age structure is now comparable to other middle‑income African economies. The early peak of 106.58 in 1970 coincided with a post‑independence baby boom and limited health advances, while the trough in 2025 follows decades of sustained improvements in education and health services. Continued urbanisation and further reductions in fertility are likely to keep the dependency ratio modest, although a resurgence of older‑age dependents could temper the downward trajectory.
Data & projection
| Year | Dependency Ratio | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 62.90 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 63.71 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 64.52 | - | - |
| 2025 | 64.52 | −0.84 | #57 |
| 2024 | 65.36 | −0.78 | #161 |
| 2023 | 66.14 | −0.78 | #163 |
| 2022 | 66.92 | −0.82 | #163 |
| 2021 | 67.74 | −0.88 | #164 |
| 2020 | 68.61 | −0.84 | #165 |
| 2019 | 69.46 | −0.77 | #167 |
| 2018 | 70.22 | −0.78 | #167 |
| 2017 | 71.00 | −0.73 | #167 |
| 2016 | 71.73 | −0.58 | #168 |
| 2015 | 72.31 | −0.42 | #168 |
| 2014 | 72.73 | −0.30 | #169 |
| 2013 | 73.04 | −0.25 | #170 |
| 2012 | 73.29 | −0.26 | #170 |
| 2011 | 73.55 | −0.33 | #170 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Ghana matched the Currency Crisis Pattern pattern in 2023. Historically, 27% of countries showing this pattern (35 out of 128) saw dependency ratio improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Ghana's dependency ratio was 64.52 in 2025. Ranked 57th globally. This represents a 1.3% decrease from the previous year.
Ghana's dependency ratio peaked at 106.58 in 1970.
The lowest dependency ratio in Ghana was 64.52 in 2025.
Ghana ranks 57th globally in dependency ratio as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.POP.DPND. Data sourced from World Bank.
Ghana's dependency ratio is projected to reach 64.52 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The dependency ratio of Ghana in 2025 was 64.52. This ranks 57th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_ghana_dependency-ratio,
title = {Ghana Dependency Ratio},
url = {https://historysaid.com/ghana/dependency-ratio/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}