Most young Ghanaians still want to get married and have children, but financial insecurity and unstable employment are making those aspirations harder to achieve, according to findings released to mark World Population Day 2026.
This year’s observance, held under the theme “Realising the hopes and aspirations of young people, today and for the future,” is informed by the United Nations Population Fund’s (UNFPA) Lives, Choices and Futures report, based on a survey of more than 108,000 young adults across 73 countries.
The report found that more than two-thirds of respondents aged 18 to 39 hope to marry, while only about one in 10 said they do not want children. Financial security (88%) and stable employment (87%) were identified as the biggest prerequisites for starting a family.
“The findings are striking: most young people aspire to partnership and parenthood,” UNFPA Executive Director Diene Keita said, adding that removing financial barriers allows young people to make the choices that are right for them.
The findings are particularly relevant for Ghana, where more than half of the population is under the age of 25. UNFPA said the country’s youthful population could drive economic growth if supported with quality education, healthcare and decent employment opportunities.
However, reproductive health challenges remain. The 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey found that 27.8% of married women use modern contraceptives, while 23.4% have an unmet need for family planning. Ghana’s maternal mortality ratio also remains well above the Sustainable Development Goal target.
Demand for reproductive health services continues to be strong. MSI Reproductive Choices Ghana reported more than 107,000 client visits in the first half of 2026, with young people aged 15 to 24 accounting for 35% of all clients.
UNFPA said the findings reflect a broader global trend: despite economic uncertainty, most young people still aspire to build families. The organisation called for continued investment in education, jobs, housing, reproductive healthcare and social protection to help young people realise those ambitions.
