Formulation and Implementation of Reproductive Health Policies in Ghana: Analysis of the Views of Key Community Leaders and State Technocrats

Abstract

This qualitative study evaluated the views of ten elites concerning their roles and views in the formulation and implementation of reproductive health (RH) policies in Ghana. The elites comprised of politicians, State policy technocrats, community leaders including a Traditional Chief; the group of elites also included representatives from all three major religions in Ghana: African traditional religions, Christianity and Islam. The results of the study indicated both positive and negative impacts of RH policies on the improvement of the economic welfare of individuals and small owner businesses. A major finding was the role of awareness in the acceptability of RH policies related to the birth control (BC) methods and products and contraceptives. The influence of the affordability of BC products and contraceptives was a common point of agreement of the ten elite people. The limited numbers of proper family planning clinics and specialist clinics in Ghana were seen to be a hindrance towards the acceptance of RH policies related to the use of BC products and contraceptives. The elites agreed that the Ghanaian society was a conservative one and this presented a general difficulty concerning the discussion of family planning and sexual matters. While there was a consensus on the role of awareness in increasing the acceptance and use of BC products and contraceptives, there was some disagreement of the proper role of non-governmental organizations, including religious organizations, in creating awareness of BC products and contraceptives in the community.