Civil registration system being improved — Dr Nyarko
The government is in the process of adopting measures to improve the country’s civil registration system. When completed, the registration of births, deaths, marriages and divorces will improve significantly.
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At a stakeholders’ workshop to validate the strategic plan on Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) systems, the Government Statistician, Dr Philomena Nyarko, said the first and second phases of the project had been completed.
The third phase, which involves the validation and adoption of a rationalised strategic plan to improve the system, was underway, she said.
The first phase involved the development of a work plan and a budget to implement the assessment exercise, while the second phase involved the actual assessment and assembling of documentation and materials on the CRVS.
Current rate
Dr Nyarko stated that the country’s current CRVS system was fraught with many challenges and, therefore, not reliable, in spite of many years of being in existence.
“The findings from the assessment revealed that only 65 per cent and 20 per cent of births and deaths, respectively, are registered annually. Registration percentages for marriages and divorces too are extremely low.
“This comprehensive system is, therefore, part of the government’s efforts to ensure that every citizen is registered and provided with the necessary documents to confirm his or her legal status and other characteristics to enable him or her to transact business in Ghana without any hindrance,” she stated.
Protects the vulnerable
A programme officer at the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Ms Johanna Eriksson Takyo, said an improved system was essential for the protection of the vulnerable, especially children.
“Children who are most likely to miss out on registration are those who need it the most. These include those at risk of being trafficked because they have no proof of their identity, or a girl child who is unable to prove in court that she is below 18 and, therefore, cannot marry,” she stated.
A Deputy Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, in a speech read on his behalf, also pointed out that a robust CRVS would enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of government services such as health and social welfare benefits to the public.