KEY POINTS
- There is a big gap in birth registration in Upper East
- The number of deaths registered is still quite low across the country.
- The registry says that logistics and transportation are two big problems.
A total of 7,560 children born in Ghana’s Upper East Region between January and June remain unregistered, despite hospitals recording their births.
Samuel Adom Botchway, Registrar of the Births and Deaths Registry, described the figures as alarming, noting that the Ghana Health Service recorded 20,412 births while the registry officially registered only 12,852 in the same period. The shortfall, he warned, undermines President Nana Akufo-Addo’s vision to ensure every child born in Ghana receives a birth certificate by 2028.
Birth registration rates remain far too low
During his working tour of the region, Botchway said the Upper East had managed to register just 36.9% of expected births. At the current pace, he cautioned, the registry would miss its targets unless new strategies were implemented.
He took part in registering a newborn himself at the regional office, calling it a privilege, while urging parents to take advantage of the free registration service for children under 12 years old.
Another big problem is registering deaths
The Registrar also pointed out that death registration remains very low, with only 15 percent documented in the first half of the year. He explained that Ghanaian law requires reporting every death and issuing a burial permit, but many families in remote areas ignore the rules.
To address this, the registry is collaborating with the Ministry of Local Government and working with assembly members to improve compliance, while reviewing sections of the Births and Deaths Act.
Birth registration challenges slow registry mandate
Regional Registrar John Yalmon Badengbanoya admitted logistics remain a major constraint, particularly transport for district officers. He pledged the registry would cover the shortfall by September but called for government support to improve operations.
Botchway, meanwhile, reassured citizens that the system prevents manipulation of birth dates, despite ongoing concerns about fraudulent age alterations. Only minor amendments, such as name additions, are permitted without extensive proof.
Upper East Regional Minister Donatus Akamugri Atanga acknowledged the registry’s importance but agreed it remains under-resourced. He promised to support the agency in strengthening its mandate.
