Mortality Trends, Patterns, and Causes of Death in Ghana: The Big and Small Picture

Ghana has experienced a steady decline in mortality over the past three decades; however, this progress has been uneven across population groups and regions. The most substantial reductions have occurred among children, whereas adult mortality remains persistently high. Although the drivers of declining mortality are well documented, disparities across regions and evolving patterns in causes of death have received limited attention. This chapter analyses child and adult mortality trends from 1988 to 2022, emphasising regional variations and shifts in cause-of-death profiles. Drawing on data from national censuses, household surveys, and localised demographic surveillance systems, the findings reveal a consistent national and subnational decline in mortality, with urban areas exhibiting markedly lower rates than their rural counterparts. The cause-of-death distributions are also changing: infectious diseases continue to dominate, yet noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are increasingly contributing to mortality, particularly among children under five years. Sustaining gains in mortality reduction will require a robust and responsive health system capable of addressing persistent and emerging challenges.