UNFPA urges Ghana to make population data central to national development planning

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has urged Ghana to prioritize population data and demographic trends in its national development planning. Country Representative Dr Wilfred Ochan emphasized that reliable population data is essential for understanding the country's demographic shifts and crafting policies that cater to the needs of its citizens.

He stressed that such data should inform decisions across various sectors to ensure that development interventions effectively address issues faced by women, girls, and young people. Dr Ochan highlighted UNFPA's collaboration with the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) to produce regional population profiles and demographic insights that guide national planning and policy formulation.

He also mentioned the organization's engagement with the Office of the President to place population issues at the forefront of Ghana's development agenda. Dr Ochan's remarks were made at a UNFPA Media Forum on November 4, 2026, where he stressed that sustainable development necessitates strong local ownership and cooperation among various institutions.

He noted that no single organization could achieve lasting change independently. Dr Ochan outlined key priorities under UNFPA's 2030 transformative agenda, including ending preventable maternal deaths, eliminating unmet needs for family planning, and combatting gender-based violence and harmful practices. He called on journalists to delve deeper into development partnerships and interventions, ensuring that they lead to tangible benefits for communities.

He also urged the media to maintain editorial independence, verify information, and report accurately and respectfully, especially concerning survivors of violence and vulnerable groups.