Analysis of 2021 Ghana’s Population and Housing Census: A Focus on Fertility Rate

Understanding the Cumulative Fertility Rate (CFR) of any country is relevant for national planning and ensuring environmental sustainability. In this article, we investigate the effect of socio-demographic and geographical factors, and their interactions on recent Fertility Rates amongst Ghanaian women. Population included women from 15 to 49 years. Socio-demographic factors (age and education), geographical factors (locality, and regions), and CFR were studied. Multiple Regression Analysis was applied to the Ghana Statistical Service 2021 Population and Housing Census data sourced from the GSS StatsBank with the permission GSS. The highest CFR was found among women with at least primary education, living rural communities, and in the Northern zone. The peak CFR was recorded between 25 to 34 years. Further, the study results show that age, locality, educational, geographic zones and the interaction of age and education had significant impacts on the CFR across Ghana. While age and Northern zone positively impacted CFR, education and urban locality negatively impacted the CFR. Moreover, the study found that the interaction of education and age resulted in significant reduction in CFR. The findings highlight on higher education and location of females as major factors to be considered in policy formulation toward addressing sustainable development challenges. The findings highlight the urgent need for targeted policies that enhance access to higher education for females, especially in rural and Northern geographical zones of the country, to reduce fertility and promote equitable development. Investments in female education, and age-appropriate sexual education can delay early childbirth and reduce CFR. Implementation of these measures will support Ghana’s progress toward SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality).The insights provided by this study are necessary for policy makers to design socio- demographic and geographical interventions toward achieving sustainable fertility rates.