A report by the United Nations Population Fund has revealed that many young Ghanaians still hope to get married and have children, but financial difficulties and unstable jobs are making it difficult for them to achieve those dreams,
The report was highlighted during activities marking World Population Day 2026, which focused on the hopes and aspirations of young people.
Findings from the UNFPA survey showed that more than two thirds of young adults want to get married, while only a small number do not want children.
The report also revealed that most young people believe financial security and stable employment are important before starting a family.
According to UNFPA, the findings challenge the belief that young people are losing interest in marriage and parenthood. Instead, many are delaying these decisions because of economic pressures.
The report noted that 80% of respondents said the joy children bring is a major reason for wanting a family, while government support programmes were among the least important factors influencing their decisions.
It also found that young people in West and Central Africa, including Ghana, generally prefer larger families compared to many other regions.
For Ghana, the findings are significant because more than half of the country’s population is below the age of 25. UNFPA says this youthful population can support economic growth if young people have access to quality education, healthcare, and decent employment opportunities.
However, the organisation warned that without investment in these areas, financial challenges may continue to delay the plans of many young people to marry and raise families.
