Infant Mortality in Ghana: Progress Made, Gaps Persist
As of 2023 to 2024, Ghana’s infant mortality rate is estimated to range between 28 and 32.6 deaths per 1,000 live births. This reflects steady progress over the past two decades, driven by expanded immunisation, improved maternal health services, and broader access to primary healthcare. Even so, infant mortality remains a major public health concern, particularly because the gains have not been evenly shared across the country.
Recent data point to slight variations depending on the source. Statista estimates the 2023 infant mortality rate at 28.2 deaths per 1,000 live births, while a 2024 academic source places it higher, at 32.6. Neonatal mortality, which accounts for deaths within the first 28 days of life, remains especially troubling at approximately 21 to 22.8 deaths per 1,000 live births. Under five mortality stands at about 44 deaths per 1,000 live births, underscoring the risks children continue to face beyond infancy.
One of the most persistent challenges is the rural–urban divide. Infant and child mortality rates are consistently higher in rural areas than in urban centers. Factors such as limited access to skilled birth attendants, longer distances to health facilities, weaker referral systems, and lower socioeconomic conditions continue to shape these outcomes. While urban areas benefit from better-equipped facilities and a higher concentration of health professionals, many rural communities still struggle with basic maternal and newborn care.
For the most current and authoritative demographic data, the Ghana Statistical Service remains the primary reference point. Together, these sources show that while Ghana has made meaningful progress in reducing infant and child deaths, targeted investment, especially in rural health systems and neonatal care, is still critical to closing the remaining gaps.