The 2022 Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS) conducted by the Ghana Statistical Services (GSS) has revealed some interesting findings about the sexual behavior of young people in Ghana. The survey indicates that nearly half (49.8%) of unmarried girls aged 15-24 have not engaged in sexual intercourse.
These findings debunk the common belief that a significant number of young girls are becoming sexually active before marriage. In fact, the report shows that 50% of never-married women aged 15-24 had engaged in pre-marital sexual intercourse, with 47% of men in the same age range doing the same.
When broken down further, the report reveals that 33.9% of never-married women aged 15-19 have engaged in sexual intercourse, while 24.1% of never-married women aged 20-24 are virgins. Similarly, 53.8% of never-married men aged 15-24 have never had sexual intercourse.
It is also worth noting the trend over the years, as the proportion of never-married young women who have never had sexual intercourse has seen a decline from 55% in 2008 to 50% in 2022. The same trend is observed in never-married young men, with the proportion declining from 60% in 2008 to 53% in 2022.
These findings provide valuable insight into the sexual behavior of young people in Ghana and could potentially inform policies and interventions aimed at promoting sexual health and wellbeing among the youth.
