Kumasi, Feb 28, GNA - Mr Edward Oppong-Aboagye, Ashanti Regional Population Officer, has stated that Ghana's population data is based on assumption, which was not good for the country's development. He explained that population census was always projected without taking into consideration factors that affect population such as migration, family planning, malaria, HIV/AIDS, provision of potable water, disasters and infectious diseases that could claim lives. Mr Oppong-Aboagye said the population census also fail to capture the seasonal minors and immigrants and are therefore not included in economic planning of the country.

Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Kumasi at the weekend, he said the right and correct data could be obtained only when citizenship identity cards are provided for all Ghanaians. On whether women outnumbered men in the country, Mr Oppong-Aboagye said it was true that women outnumber men in Ghana for the simple reason that women took good care of themselves than men.

Also he explained the male foetuses are destroyed in the menstrual cycle than the females and as such the mortality rate of boys is greater than that of girls, especially in their early stages.

The Regional Population Officer said besides migration, he mentioned fertility and mortality as two other agents, which affect population growth pointing out that fertility rate, could be controlled through family planning.

Mr Oppong-Aboagye said it was gratifying to note that people have now come to grips with family planning methods, be they orthodox or traditional.

He, however, appealed to the government to improve upon conditions of service in the public sector to promote effective and efficient work.