EXECUTIVE SUMMARY REPORT: GSMC GHANA REPORT

Background and Rationale

Ghana has made notable progress in improving access to modern contraceptives, with prevalence reaching approximately 32% and near-universal awareness among both men and women. Despite these gains, male involvement in family planning remains persistently low, resulting in a disproportionate burden on women.

Current data indicate that decisions regarding pregnancy are predominantly made by women (41.7%) or jointly (42.4%), with limited instances where men take primary responsibility (Ghana Statistical Service & ICF, 2024; Lahole et al., 2024). A key contributor to this imbalance is the limited range of contraceptive options available to men, which are largely restricted to condoms, withdrawal, and vasectomy. These methods are often associated with dissatisfaction, misconceptions, or stigma. Emerging male contraceptive technologies present an opportunity to expand options and enhance shared responsibility in reproductive health.