Financial challenges are preventing most young Ghanaians from marrying and starting families, according to a new report.
This delay occurs even though the majority still want to achieve these life goals. Worsening economic pressures, including unemployment and limited opportunities, are forcing young adults to postpone their aspirations. These findings were released to mark this year's World Population Day.
This situation presents a crucial challenge for Ghana. Over half of the country's 33 million people are under 25 years old. This youthful population could drive economic growth, known as a demographic dividend, with proper investment. However, if investments in education, jobs, and healthcare are lacking, this demographic could strain social services and the job market.
UNFPA Executive Director, Diene Keita, stated, “The findings are striking: most young people aspire to partnership and parenthood.” She added that young people make “the choices that are right for them” when financial barriers are removed. This statement underscores the impact of economic conditions on personal life decisions.
The findings carry significant implications for Ghana's future. Policymakers must consider these trends when planning for economic development and social support. Continued delays in family formation could alter population growth patterns and demand for various services. Decision-makers will need to address economic stability for youth to harness the potential of Ghana's young population.
The United Nations Population Fund's (UNFPA) Demographic Futures Survey provides the basis for these insights. The survey revealed that more than two-thirds of Ghanaians aged 18 to 39 desire marriage. Only about one in ten respondents indicated they did not want children. This shows a strong cultural preference for family life among young people.
The report also highlights the importance of economic stability for starting a family. 88 percent of respondents considered financial security a prerequisite for having children. Similarly, 87 percent pointed to stable employment as essential before beginning a family. These figures demonstrate a clear link between economic conditions and family planning decisions.
Ghana's total fertility rate remained stable at 3.9 children per woman in 2022. This followed a significant decline from 6.4 children per woman in 1988. While maternal mortality has fallen to an estimated 253-263 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2020, it remains above the Sustainable Development Goal target of fewer than 70 deaths by 2030.
Reproductive health services remain crucial. Data from the 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS) shows 27.8 percent of married women use modern contraceptive methods. However, 23.4 percent still have an unmet need for family planning services. The overall demand for family planning stands at 59.7 percent, with just over 60 percent of that demand currently being met.
MSI Reproductive Choices Ghana recorded 107,184 client visits during the first six months of 2026. Of these visits, 37,663 clients, or 35 percent, were young people aged 15 to 24 years. Young people aged 20 to 24 accounted for the largest share of youth clients. Adolescents aged 15 to 19 made up 19 percent of youth visits, according to MSI Ghana's internal monitoring data. These figures highlight the ongoing need for reproductive healthcare among young individuals.
The UNFPA emphasizes the need for governments to invest in young people. This includes improved education, quality healthcare, decent employment opportunities, and accessible reproductive health services. A comprehensive analysis and detailed policy recommendations will be published in the forthcoming State of World Population 2026 Report.