REGION

POPULATION

MALE

FEMALE

CAPITAL

Western

1,842,878

925,708

917,170

Takoradi

Central

1,580,047

753,053

826,994

Cape Coast

Greater Accra

2,909,643

1,433,093

1,476,550

Accra

Volta

1,612,299

775,257

837,042

Ho

Eastern

2,108,852

1,034,922

1,073,930

Koforidua

Ashanti

3,187,601

1,556,587

1,631,014

Kumasi

Brong Ahafo

1,824,822

913,035

911,787

Sunyani

Northern

1,854,994

921,138

933,856

Tamale

Upper East

917,251

437,245

480,006

Bolgatanga

Upper West

573,860

274,981

298,879

Wa

TOTAL

18,412,247

9,025,019

9,387,228

Source: Ghana Statistical Service, 2000 Census (Provisional figures)

The population of Ghana comprises Christians, Traditional Religions  and Muslims. While Christianity is the dominant religion, Islam and Traditional religions are also very well represented.  Above all, there is complete freedom of religion in Ghana.

 Ghana's policy of liberalisation has been extended to private sector participation in education. The country's literacy rate is about 50% (Urban 63%: Rural 39.9%; Source: Statistical Services 1997).  The educational system provides for a nine-year Compulsory Universal Basic Education, which is followed by a middle-level of 3-year Secondary/Technical/Commercial, and Vocational education.  The tertiary level consists of Teacher Training Colleges, Diploma and Degree Awarding institutions. There are also specialised management; technical and vocational institutions responsible for human resource development which ensure an immediate availability of

skilled and trainable labour force as well as technical and managerial personnel. In addition, there are special international schools which follow the curricula of some foreign examination syllabuses.