Sexual and Reproductive Health in Ghana

Addressing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) issues is essential for sustainable development in sub-Saharan Africa, where high fertility, growing populations and high maternal and child-related mortality rates are evident. In Ghana, various global, regional and national policies guide strategies to address SRH challenges. However, evidence is constantly needed to assess Ghana’s progress. Therefore, this chapter provides insights into the trends and patterns of four components of SRH in Ghana from 1988 to 2022: family planning/contraception, sexual activity, sexual and gender-based violence, and maternal health. Data from seven Ghana Demographic and Health Survey waves (1988–2022), and District Health Information Management System data (2013–2022) were analysed. The findings indicate consistently high knowledge of contraceptive methods among women and men, although contraceptive prevalence remains low. Also, median ages at first sex are lower for women than men and increased since 1998, but have stalled over time. While more men than women engage in high-risk sex, reports of condom non-use during the last high-risk sex and sexually transmitted infections are higher for women. Sexual abuse experiences are consistently greater among women than men but spiked for both sexes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Greater percentages of women than men justify wife-beating over time, although the proportions for both have declined over time. Additionally, more women are utilising antenatal care and skilled professionals during delivery. The findings generally convey improvements in the different SRH components among women and men in Ghana. However, the SRH challenges and concerns that continue to exist require additional investigation. Furthermore, programmes that safeguard women’s and men’s SRH, especially during crisis periods, are necessary.