A new report released to mark this year’s World Population Day reveals that while most young Ghanaians still aspire to marry and raise families, mounting economic pressures are forcing many to delay those dreams. The findings show that marriage and parenthood remain central life goals, yet financial insecurity, unemployment, and limited opportunities are making them increasingly difficult to pursue.
The report coincides with the global observance of World Population Day on July 11, established by the United Nations in 1989 to highlight issues of population growth, reproductive health, education, employment, and the importance of investing in young people. This year’s theme is: “Realising the hopes and aspirations of young people, today and for the future.”
Marriage and children remain priorities
Drawing on the United Nations Population Fund’s (UNFPA) Demographic Futures Survey, the report reveals that more than two-thirds of respondents aged 18 to 39 still aspire to marry, with only about one in ten expressing no desire for children. It further shows that 88 percent of young adults view financial stability as a prerequisite for parenthood, while 87 percent consider secure employment equally vital before starting a family.
Presenting the findings in New York, UNFPA Executive Director Diene Keita noted that the results challenge the perception that young people are turning away from family life. “The findings are striking: most young people aspire to partnership and parenthood,” she said, adding that when financial barriers are lifted, young people are able to make “the choices that are right for them.”
The survey engaged over 108,000 young adults across 73 countries. While UNFPA acknowledged that the sample was not nationally representative and largely reflected responses from internet-connected youth, it emphasised that the results provide valuable insights into shifting demographic trends.
Implications for Ghana
The report carries particular significance for Ghana, where more than half of the country’s estimated population of about 33 million is below the age of 25. According to population experts, Ghana’s youthful demographic structure presents a potential demographic dividend capable of accelerating economic growth if supported by adequate investments in education, healthcare, employment and skills development. However, the report cautions that without those investments, the country’s youthful population could instead place greater pressure on social services and labour markets.
Reproductive health challenges
The report highlights ongoing reproductive health challenges in the country, despite some improvements in recent years. According to the 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS), 27.8% of married women currently use modern contraceptive methods, while 23.4% still have an unmet need for family planning services. Overall, the demand for family planning stands at 59.7%, with just over 60% of that demand being met.
Ghana’s total fertility rate remained relatively stable at 3.9 children per woman in 2022, following a significant decline from 6.4 children per woman in 1988. Additionally, the maternal mortality ratio has decreased considerably over the past two decades, reaching an estimated 253–263 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2020. However, this figure is still well above the Sustainable Development Goal target of fewer than 70 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030.
The report also indicates a continued demand for reproductive healthcare services among young people. MSI Reproductive Choices Ghana reported 107,184 client visits across its clinics and outreach programs during the first six months of 2026. Of that number, 37,663 clients, representing 35 per cent, were young people aged between 15 and 24 years.
According to the organisation’s programme data, young people aged 20 to 24 accounted for the largest share of youth clients, while adolescents aged between 15 and 19 represented 19 per cent of youth visits. The figures are based on MSI Ghana’s internal monitoring data.
Call for investment
UNFPA says the findings reinforce the need for governments to invest strategically in young people through improved education, quality healthcare, decent employment opportunities and accessible reproductive health services. The agency noted that a comprehensive analysis of the survey, together with detailed policy recommendations, will be published in its forthcoming State of World Population 2026 Report.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
