Public Versus Private Resources for Childbirth and Care in Ghana

Abstract

Family planning has been at the centre of Ghana's population programs that have been pursued since the adoption of a national population policy in 1969. A national family planning programme launched in 1970 and relaunched in 1991 and 2001 has aimed at achieving a high prevalence of modern contraceptive use in Ghanaian society. Unfortunately the desired impact has not been achieved. In fact, modern contraception has not even contributed significantly to Ghana fertility transition that began over a decade ago. The Ghana Statistical Service has attributed fertility decline in the country partly to abortion. Based on some theoretical considerations, and secondary sources of data and information to provide the empirical evidence, this essay suggests that abortion and other alternative resources available for managing childbirth and care probably undermine efforts at promoting modern contraception in Ghanaian society. It recommends policies to influence these alternative practices, which may not only improve the prospects of increased modern contraceptive use, but also resolve some underlying health and developmental issues associated with these private means of managing childbirth and care.