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BMC International Health and Human Rights
Published in: BMC International Health and Human Rights 1/2015

Open Access 01-12-2015 | Research article

Socioeconomic determinants of birth registration in Ghana

Authors: Joshua Amo-Adjei, Samuel Kobina Annim

Published in: BMC International Health and Human Rights | Issue 1/2015

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Abstract

Background

Identity registration is not only a matter of human rights but it also serves as an important instrument for planning about health, education and overall development. This paper examines the chances of a child born in Ghana between 2001 and 2006 obtaining legal status of identity.

Methods

Data for this paper were extracted from the 2006 Ghana Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS). We used discrete choice modelling in estimating the likelihood of child registration in Ghana.

Results

Mother’s education and household wealth are identified to be positively associated with the likelihood of a child being registered. In the context of structural factors, being a resident in the Eastern region of Ghana and rural areas were found to be risk factors for children not being registered. Besides, children who were resident in households where the head is affiliated to Traditional Religion were found to be at significant risk of being unregistered.

Conclusion

Overall, our findings give an impression of birth registration being a privilege for children whose parents are educated, wealthy and resident in urban communities. Policies meant to increase uptake have to be broad-based, targeting the less privileged particularly with practical interventions such as transport vouchers to registration centres. This may help appropriate meaning to international protocols on birth registration as a human right issue to which Ghana affirms.
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Metadata
Title
Socioeconomic determinants of birth registration in Ghana
Authors
Joshua Amo-Adjei
Samuel Kobina Annim
Publication date
01-12-2015
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC International Health and Human Rights / Issue 1/2015
Electronic ISSN: 1472-698X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12914-015-0053-z

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