Ghana: housing

What share of Ghanaians own their home?

48.4% of households in Ghana live in owner-occupied dwellings, according to the 2021 Population and Housing Census run by the Ghana Statistical Service. North East Region has the highest share (90.1%) and Greater Accra the lowest (36.4%). Owner-occupiers form the majority in rural areas.

The census counts households living in a dwelling owned by a household member, including family houses. The census is the main official source on housing tenure in Ghana, and the Ghana Statistical Service publishes regional tables in its housing volume.

Official sources: Ghana Statistical Service: 2021 PHC Volume 3 highlights

How many Ghanaians rent their home?

34.6% of households in Ghana rent their dwelling, according to the 2021 Population and Housing Census. Renting is far more common in towns (46.0%) than in rural areas (17.1%). Greater Accra (47.6%) and Ashanti (40.6%) have the highest shares of renters.

The remaining households either own their home (48.4%) or live rent-free, for example in family houses or accommodation provided by an employer. The census found that compound houses, where several households share a building and facilities, make up 20.9% of dwellings, and only 38.9% of households have a bathroom for their own exclusive use.

Official sources: Ghana Statistical Service: 2021 PHC Volume 3 highlights

How many homes are empty in Ghana?

12.7% of dwelling units in Ghana were vacant at the 2021 Population and Housing Census, according to the Ghana Statistical Service. Vacancy is higher in rural (14.9%) than urban (11.1%) areas. Western North Region had the highest vacancy rate (16.3%), followed by Volta (14.8%) and Greater Accra (14.6%).

A vacant dwelling is one with no household living in it on census night. This can include homes under construction, homes kept by owners living elsewhere, including abroad, and homes for sale or rent. The census counted 10,006,420 dwelling units in all.

Official sources: Ghana Statistical Service: 2021 PHC Volume 3 highlights

How many houses are there in Ghana?

Ghana had 5,862,890 residential structures at the 2021 Population and Housing Census, up 72.8% from 3,392,745 in 2010, according to the Ghana Statistical Service. These contained 10,006,420 dwelling units, nearly three times (2.6 times) the number at the 2000 census. 63.3% of dwelling units are separate detached houses and 20.9% compound houses.

A structure is a building; one structure can contain several dwelling units, such as rooms in a compound house or flats. 64.1% of dwellings have outer walls of cement blocks or concrete, up from 39.1% in 2000, while the share with mud brick or earth walls fell to 29.6%.

Official sources: Ghana Statistical Service: 2021 PHC Volume 3 highlights

What are bank lending rates in Ghana?

The average bank lending rate in Ghana was 15.9% in August 2026, down from 24.2% a year earlier, according to the Bank of Ghana. The 91-day Treasury bill rate fell to 5.4% from 10.3%. Private sector credit grew 35.5% in the year to August 2026, against 13.3% a year earlier. The Monetary Policy Rate has been 14.0% since the September 2026 meeting kept it unchanged.

The average lending rate covers all bank loans, not only mortgages, and mortgage rates vary by bank and borrower. Lower rates make borrowing to build or buy a home cheaper. The Bank of Ghana publishes rates monthly in its Summary of Economic and Financial Data.

Official sources: Bank of Ghana: MPC press release, 24 September 2026 · Bank of Ghana: summary of economic and financial data

What share of Ghana is urban?

According to the UN Population Division, the share of people living in urban areas in Ghana was 58.9% in 2025. That is the highest since at least 2005. It is 12th highest of 48 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 44.9%. World rank, highest first: 113th of 193.

How many people in Ghana live in slums?

In 2022, the share of city dwellers living in slums in Ghana was 33.5%, according to UN-Habitat. That is the lowest since at least 2006. Sub-Saharan Africa median: 48.7%; Ghana is 44th highest of 48. Worldwide: 68th of 170.

How many people in Ghana have electricity?

91.9%: that is the share of people with access to electricity in Ghana for 2024, according to the World Bank. That is the highest since at least 2005. Sub-Saharan Africa median: 57.8%; Ghana is 5th highest of 48. World rank, highest first: 136th of 193.

What is access to safe water in Ghana?

42.9%: that is the share of people using safely managed drinking water in Ghana for 2024, according to WHO and UNICEF. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. Sub-Saharan Africa median: 27.2%; Ghana is 5th highest of 25. World rank, highest first: 103rd of 134.

How many people in Ghana have a safe toilet?

According to WHO and UNICEF, the share of people using safely managed sanitation in Ghana was 18.8% in 2024. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 23.6%, and Ghana placed 19th highest of 29. Worldwide: 119th of 134.

What share of homes in Ghana cook with clean fuels?

In 2024, the share of people using clean cooking fuels in Ghana was 35.0%, according to the WHO. No year since 2005 has been higher. Sub-Saharan Africa median: 13.0%; Ghana is 18th highest of 48. World rank, highest first: 150th of 192.