The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin has described the ongoing 2021 Population and Housing Census (PHS) as critical to survival. According to him, it is imperative for all and sundry to participate in the national exercise.
Mr Bagbin further expressed the support of the legislature to the population and housing census.
Additionally, he maintained that the exercise is pertinent for planning, budgeting and coordination of state response to the challenges facing the development of the country.
“The population and housing census is so critical to survival, quality of life and the development of the country. I therefore call on every body to stand up and be counted”.
The Speaker of Parliament further explained that Members of Parliament would be deployed to their various constituencies to actively participate, mobilise, educate and sensitise their constituents on the ongoing exercise.
He noted that five post-independent censuses have been conducted in the country in 1960, 1970, 1984, 2000 and 2010.
Mr Bagbin further revealed that the last two consisted of both a population census and a housing census making the 2021 PHC the third Population and Housing Census to be conducted in the country.
Public advised to participate in population census
Mr John Dramani Mahama, flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress, has urged Ghanaians to ensure they are counted during the ongoing National Population and Housing Census.
The former President noted that the data generated from the census will serve as vital statistics to guide national development.
“It is necessary to know how many people live in your country accurately so you can make better provisions in terms of social amenities, in terms of how the economy is managed and in terms of how development is spread so that everybody gets a fair share of the national cake”.
Mr. Mahama also explained that the census data will also help government to consider the creation of new districts. He also indicated that it will ensure the restructure of the local government system.
“Please, when the census officers get to your house, welcome them and answer the very simple questions and let’s have a perfect count.”
John Dramani Mahama
Northern Regional population census
Meanwhile, the Northern Regional Statistician for this year’s Population and Housing Census, George Agbeyen has expressed satisfaction over the enthusiasm shown by the people towards the exercise.
He indicated that the region will be known as one that had the most engaging and willing people.
On his part, the Chairman of the Northern Regional Census Implementation Committee, Alhaji Alhassan Isahaku equally lauded the staff of the Ghana Statistical Services for their dedication towards the national exercise.
According to him, “it was a long and sometimes difficult path,” however, their commitment will ensure a successful 2021 population and housing census.
He commended members of the various Census implementation Committee for their technical and expert advice which he said helped immensely in resolving most of the challenges they encountered.
Alhaji Isahaku further encouraged the public on the need to be counted. He also urged the media to continue to support the census.
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