Member of Parliament for Jomoro in Ghana’s Western Region, Mrs. Dorcas Toffey, has called on the nation to respond to its fast-growing population with bold, inclusive, and long-term strategies that prioritize people over numbers.
Speaking in Parliament to mark World Population Day 2025, Mrs. Toffey emphasized the need for major investments in maternal and reproductive health, access to accurate family planning information, and widespread support for youth development.
“Our population growth is not a threat—it’s a chance to build a stronger future, but we must act intentionally and plan wisely,” she said.
With Ghana’s population now exceeding 33 million, the MP pointed out that about 57% of Ghanaians are under 25, representing a major opportunity—but only if the country expands access to education, healthcare, housing, clean water, jobs, and security.
Key Focus Areas:
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Healthcare & Family Planning: Mrs. Toffey advocated for increased access to maternal and reproductive health services to help families make informed decisions about child spacing and well-being.
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Education Reform: She called for urgent reforms in the education system to ensure all children—regardless of location or background—receive quality education from basic to tertiary levels.
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She particularly emphasized support for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to equip young people with practical skills for the job market.
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Youth Employment & Entrepreneurship: The MP urged more support for job creation, entrepreneurship, and skills training, stressing the importance of public-private partnerships to drive innovation and economic growth.
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Women’s Empowerment: Hon. Toffey stressed that empowering girls and women is essential to national progress. “Keeping girls in school, ending child marriage, and protecting them from abuse must be top priorities. When women and girls are empowered, the nation thrives.”
She warned that while population growth can be a strength, it requires strategic planning and investment to avoid putting pressure on essential services.
“As we observe World Population Day, let us remember this is not just about statistics.
It’s about real people. It’s about ensuring every Ghanaian has the chance to live with dignity and contribute meaningfully to our development,” she concluded.
Mrs. Toffey called on fellow lawmakers, government bodies, civil society, academia, and the private sector to work together in shaping a future where population growth becomes a driver of prosperity—not a burden.
Story By: Prosper Kwaku & Selassy Agbitor
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