Demographics: Population Growth, Household Structure and Migration Patterns

Abstract

This chapter explores the nature, magnitude and consequences of a number of demographic factors on human capital endowment in Ghana. It examines the externalities of population growth and population structure on the education sector. It assesses how household demographics, such as the number, age and gender of siblings who compete over limited household resources, helps to shape the educational opportunities of young household members. Finally, it analyses migration patterns—both internal and external—and the extent of their effects on human capital flight, a loss of public education spending and remittance inflows.