Ghana’s fertility rate too high for development – Reproductive health specialist warns
Ghana's fertility rate is above the level needed to move from low-income to high-income status and the strain is already visible in schools, hospitals and roads, a Reproductive Health Specialist, Dr Godfred Bonnah Nkansah, has warned.
Ghana’s fertility rate exceeds the level necessary for transitioning from a low-income to a high-income status, according to Dr Godfred Bonnah Nkansah, a reproductive health specialist. In 2022, the fertility rate stood at 3.9, meaning each woman is expected to have approximately four children during her lifetime. This figure is significantly higher than the recommended range of 2.1 to 2.8 children per woman, which allows families to invest adequately in each child's development, contributing to the nation's human capital.
Dr Nkansah highlighted the strain this high fertility rate places on Ghana's infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, and roads. With the educational system already burdened by the rising number of students, the strain is further exacerbated by the increasing population. Hospitals face overcrowding issues, with inadequate facilities to accommodate the growing patient load, exemplified by the "no-bed syndrome."
Moreover, the expansion of the population also puts pressure on the country's road infrastructure, straining resources and capacity.
Addressing the issue at a media training organized by the Alliance for Reproductive Health Rights (ARHR), Dr Nkansah emphasized the urgency of providing comprehensive reproductive health education and services to both men and women. He called for greater efforts to promote informed public conversations surrounding sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) and urged journalists to disseminate accurate, ethical, and evidence-based information.
The training aimed to strengthen journalists' understanding of SRHR issues, combat misinformation, and improve reporting on gender-related topics.
Senior media practitioner Linda Asante-Agyei added that media practitioners should utilize their platforms to educate parents about the importance of sex education for adolescent children. She stressed the significance of distinguishing between scientific facts and personal opinions regarding adolescent health and sexual reproduction.
Written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
