OVERVIEW

In recognition of the interrelationships between fertility management and socio-economic development, the  National Population Policy (Revised Edition,1994), stressed the need for regulation of population growth and distribution.  The Policy also provided broad policy outlines and direction for family planning in the country. The National Population Council is mandated to monitor, coordinate and advocate for proper fertility management with the support of implementing partners and other agencies.

The importance of family planning in national development and its impact on maternal and child health and women’s education, incomes, human rights and autonomy, as well as the annual population growth rate, affects the quality of life of the people. Family planning forms a central component of fertility management programmes in Ghana. Other processes and procedures in Fertility Management include:

  • The promotion of Safe Motherhood services (antenatal, labour and postnatal);
  • Regulation and spacing of births;
  • Provision of post-abortion services;
  • Prevention and management of Reproductive Tract Infections (RTIs) including Sexually transmitted Infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS as well as the management of infertility and cancers of the reproductive system;
  • Prevention and management of harmful traditional reproductive health practices; and
  • Responding to concerns about menopause.

These issues are managed through comprehensive Fertility Management programmes which provide access to proper medical care, including contraceptives and meeting the social needs of clients.