English Language Writing Skills

By Danso Kwasi Nti Samuel (DAS). Study the complete course source, examine every model and practise alongside Professor Jarvis.

Course printed page 494 PDF page 500 of 505

For tables, matching columns, IPA and original formatting, open the course PDF above.

Passage 5:

Ghana, a country located in West Africa, has a rapidly growing population. As of recent

estimates, the population of Ghana is over 31 million people, making it one of the most

populous countries in Africa. The population growth rate in Ghana is relatively high, driven

by a combination of high birth rates and declining mortality rates due to improvements in

healthcare. The population is unevenly distributed across the country, with the majority of

people living in the southern regions, particularly in urban areas like Accra and Kumasi. The

youthful nature of Ghana's population is notable, with a significant proportion under the age

of 25, which presents both opportunities and challenges for the nation’s development.

Ghana’s growing population brings several challenges. Rapid urbanisation has led to

overcrowded cities, putting pressure on infrastructure, housing, and public services. The

increase in population also strains the education and healthcare systems, making it difficult

for the government to provide adequate services for all citizens. Additionally, unemployment

and underemployment are significant issues, especially among the youth, which can lead to

social unrest if not addressed.

To manage the challenges posed by a growing population, the government of Ghana has

implemented various strategies. Family planning programs have been introduced to help

control the birth rate. Efforts to improve infrastructure in both urban and rural areas are

ongoing, including investments in transportation, housing, and public services. The

government is also focussing on improving education and skills training to better prepare

the youth for employment, thereby addressing the issue of unemployment and

underemployment.

   1. In two sentences, one for each, state two characteristics of the population of Ghana.
   2. In three sentences, one for each, state three challenges posed by the growing
      population in Ghana.
   3. In three sentences, one for each, state three solutions implemented by the government
      of Ghana to manage the population growth.