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Ghana’s fertility rate on decline – Survey

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Birth among women have re­duced significantlyin recent times, a new survey by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has revealed.

The survey pointed to a decline in fertility rate that has seen a 1988 statistic of a woman having a mini­mum of six children dropped to four children per woman in 2022.

The Ghana 2022 Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS), the seventh since 1988, was designed to provide datatomonitor the population and state of health in Ghana.

It aims to provide reliable esti­mates for fertility levels and pref­erences, contraceptive use, antena­tal and delivery care, maternal and child health, childhood mortality, childhood immunization, breastfeed­ing and young child feeding practic­es, violence against women and other indicators relevant to the Sustain­able Development Goals (SDG).

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According to the report, women in the lowest wealth bracket tends to have six children on the average which is twice as many as women in the highest wealth bracket who have an average of about three children.

Regionally, the fertility rate rang­es from two to three children per woman in the Greater Accra region to about six children or more per wom­an in the North East region.

It also revealed that the median age at first sexual intercourse is 18 years among women aged 25 to 49 and 20 years among men the same age.

The report also stated that the average age at first birth for women aged between 25 and 49 years is 22, saying “this means that half of wom­en aged 25 and 49 years give birth for the first time before this age.”

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Reacting to the statistics, a section of women The Spectator spoke to, confirmed the new data and gave reasons such as education, economic hardship and trauma during pregnan­cies for the development.

Mrs Roselyn Mensah, a banker said she has two children and did not think she would have another child.

According to her, “I want to give my children the best of education. Their fees are a lot and having additional children means we would have to pay more. My husband and I have decided to concentrate on the two and help them attain the highest level of education.”

Madam Ama Serwaa Boateng, a mother of three said, her last preg­nancy nearly turned fatal so she decided to end it at three; although her dream was to have four.

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Mrs Gifty Oppong, a 40-year old petty trader said, she has four chil­dren, adding that the last one was ‘unexpected.’

She cited economic reasons for the decision to have three children initially, saying that “business is not booming as it used to.”

 By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu

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UGMC disputes Michael Blackson’s claims over late mother’s treatment

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The University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) has disputed claims made on social media by comedian Michael Blackson concerning the treatment given to his late mother, saying a review found that the allegations did not accurately reflect what happened during her stay at the hospital.

In a statement issued in Accra on August 5, 2026, the management of UGMC expressed condolences to Mr. Blackson and his family over the death of his 83-year-old mother, who died at the facility on July 16, 2026.

The hospital said it had taken the concerns raised by Mr. Blackson seriously and conducted a thorough review in line with its clinical and administrative procedures.

According to the statement, the facts presented by Mr. Blackson on social media contained “numerous inaccuracies” and did not accurately reflect the medical care provided to his mother.

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UGMC explained that she was referred to the facility from another hospital and received treatment there from May 27 to July 16, 2026, a period of about eight weeks.

The hospital stated that it would not release details of her diagnosis, treatment, medical records or other aspects of her care because it had a duty to protect patient confidentiality, even after death.

It said the decision was intended to respect the dignity of the deceased and the privacy of her family.

UGMC further stated that all clinical decisions at the facility are made by qualified healthcare professionals based on medical judgment, established standards of care and the best interests of the patient.

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The statement added that such decisions are made in consultation with authorised family representatives where necessary and that billing and financial procedures are governed by institutional policies and are separate from clinical decision-making.

The hospital noted that it values feedback from patients and their families and considers both positive and negative comments important for improving the quality of care.

Mr. Blackson had earlier used social media to criticise the care his mother received at UGMC, prompting the hospital’s response.

By: Jacob Aggrey

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NPP suspends Greater Accra campaigns ahead of “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration

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The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has directed all aspirants campaigning in the Greater Accra Region to suspend their campaign activities on August 5 and 6 and instead mobilise supporters for the party’s planned “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration.

The directive was issued by the party’s National Steering Committee in a statement signed by the NPP General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, on Tuesday.

According to the statement, the decision forms part of efforts to ensure a strong turnout for the demonstration, which is scheduled for Thursday, August 6, 2026.

The party said the protest would begin at 5:00 a.m., with participants expected to gather at the Supreme Court in Accra.

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It further directed Regional, Constituency and Polling Station Executives in Greater Accra to work closely to mobilise members and supporters for the event.

“The National Steering Committee is calling on all aspirants currently campaigning across the Greater Accra Region to temporarily suspend their campaign activities on the 5th and 6th of August and join in mobilising support for the upcoming demonstration,” the statement noted.

The NPP appealed to party members and supporters to remain peaceful, disciplined and orderly throughout the protest.

The demonstration forms part of the party’s response to concerns it has raised over issues relating to Ghana’s democratic governance and the justice system.

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The NPP leadership expressed confidence that party members would cooperate fully to ensure a successful and peaceful event.

By: Jacob Aggrey

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