The manuscript presents findings of a descriptive analysis of data from a cross-sectional study of
adolescents aimed at identifying their family planning needs and the best approaches to addressing
them in the Kintampo Districts of Ghana. Data for the paper were from the family planning
module of a sexual and reproductive health survey carried out by the Kintampo Health and Demographic
Surveillance System in 2011. Adolescents in this study recorded high marital (1.6% females
and 0.4% males) and pregnancy rates (11.5% females and 1.5% males). Their knowledge of
contraceptive methods was high (87.7% females and 82% males), but utilization was low (17.9%
females and 6% males). Most study participants viewed family planning as important to their
health and wellbeing (59.6% females and 58.6% males). A minority of adolescents were of the
perception that contraceptive use was solely the responsibility of women (41.1% females and 32.4%
males); and that the use of contraceptives could lead to promiscuity among women (43.8% females
and 42.5% males). Those adolescents who previously had unwanted pregnancies would have accepted
some help in preventing it (33.1% females and 9.1% males). Recommendations made by
respondents included creating a friendly atmosphere by care providers for family planning services
delivery to adolescents. Other suggestions were ensuring that family planning services are
available and accessible to adolescents, and educating adolescents on the diverse methods available.