Ghana Net Migration
Net migration SM.POP.NETM
Ghana's net migration was -17,079 in 2025, ranked 48th globally. This represents a 30.2% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Ghana's net migration stood at -17,079 in 2025, a decline of +3,965 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -16,717 by 2026. Ghana ranked 48th globally.
Ghana’s net migration in 2025 was –17,079.00, placing the country 48th globally and aligning closely with peers such as Ecuador (–17,219.00) and Hungary (–16,331.00). Over the 66‑year series, the pattern has shifted from a positive balance of 12,181.00 in 1960 to a pronounced outflow, highlighted by the all‑time trough of –106,855.00 in 1985, a year marked by severe economic adjustment and political instability. The most pronounced inflow occurred in 2002, when net migration peaked at 40,573.00, reflecting a period of relative macro‑economic stability and expanding mining and services sectors that attracted foreign workers. Since the 1980s, Ghana has experienced a persistent net loss of residents, driven by limited domestic employment opportunities and higher wages abroad, especially in Europe and North America. Continued investment in higher‑skill job creation and infrastructure could moderate the outflow, potentially reversing the downward trend in the coming decade.
Data & projection
| Year | Net Migration | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | -19,667 | - | - |
| 2027* trend | -18,192 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | -16,717 | - | - |
| 2025 | -17,079 | −3,965 | #48 |
| 2024 | -13,114 | −3,111 | #55 |
| 2023 | -10,003 | +0 | #48 |
| 2022 | -10,003 | +1,256 | #45 |
| 2021 | -11,259 | −10,968 | #49 |
| 2020 | -291 | +21,566 | #103 |
| 2019 | -21,857 | −2,482 | #46 |
| 2018 | -19,375 | −14,462 | #50 |
| 2017 | -4,913 | −11,922 | #77 |
| 2016 | 7,009 | +20,315 | #148 |
| 2015 | -13,306 | −6,994 | #64 |
| 2014 | -6,312 | −3,935 | #77 |
| 2013 | -2,377 | −3,382 | #89 |
| 2012 | 1,005 | +1,725 | #138 |
| 2011 | -720 | +3,006 | #110 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Ghana matched the Currency Crisis Pattern pattern in 2023. Historically, 27% of countries showing this pattern (35 out of 128) saw net migration improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Ghana's net migration was -17,079 in 2025. Ranked 48th globally. This represents a 30.2% decrease from the previous year.
Ghana's net migration peaked at 40,573 in 2002.
The lowest net migration in Ghana was -106,855 in 1985.
Ghana ranks 48th globally in net migration as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SM.POP.NETM. Data sourced from World Bank.
Ghana's net migration is projected to reach -16,717 by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The net migration of Ghana in 2025 was -17,079. This ranks 48th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_ghana_net-migration,
title = {Ghana Net Migration},
url = {https://historysaid.com/ghana/net-migration/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}