Cape Coast, Ghana – April 30, 2025 – A leading population analyst and political demographer, Dr. Godfred Bonnah Nkansah, has raised concerns over Ghana’s rapidly growing population, warning that the country’s average fertility rate of nearly four children per woman is outpacing national development and must be addressed urgently.

Speaking at the Central Regional Consultation Workshop on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR), held at the Pempamsie Hotel in Cape Coast, Dr. Bonnah Nkansah called on stakeholders—government, civil society, families, and individuals—to collectively act to regulate birth rates and align population growth with Ghana’s development ambitions.

The workshop was organized by the Parliamentary Network Africa (PNAfrica) in collaboration with Marie Stopes International (MSI) Ghana, as part of a nationwide initiative to promote dialogue and policy support for SRHR.

In his presentation on SRHR policy in Ghana, Dr. Nkansah revealed that the country’s population is growing at a rate of 2.1%, significantly higher than the global average of 1.1%, and emphasized that the main drivers include child marriage, teenage pregnancy, early childbearing, and high unmet need for family planning.

“Government cannot do this alone. It is not just a policy issue—it’s also a personal and community responsibility,” he said. “Ultimately, these policies are interpreted in the bedroom. It takes two individuals to implement them.”

Dr. Nkansah stressed that sustainable development depends on responsible reproductive choices, urging individuals to have only the number of children they can afford to care for.

“We must ask ourselves if we are prepared to cater adequately for four children. The answer to that question should guide our decisions,” he said.

He also underscored the importance of family planning education and access to reproductive health services, calling for stronger government policy and support mechanisms to help reduce unmet needs.

The regional consultation forms part of PNAfrica and MSI Ghana’s ongoing SRHR campaign, which has already held engagements in the Eastern Region and is set to continue in the Ashanti Region. The campaign aims to facilitate stakeholder collaboration and shape policies that improve sexual and reproductive health outcomes in Ghana.

Source: Clement Akoloh || Parliamentary Network Africa