MPs call for improvement in birth registration system

Accra, Feb. 22, GNA - Members of Parliament on Wednesday stressed on the need to improve the birth and death registration system since it was fundamental to national planning and development.

They said every child had the right to birth registration and since Ghana had signed up to the Convention on the Right of the Child it was important that the right thing should be done for all children throughout the country.

Members were contributing to a statement made by Mr Robert Sarfo Mensah, NPP Asunafo North, in Parliament on the need for improvement in the birth and death registration system.

"... Mr Speaker, birth registration enables the Ghanaian child to realise his or her right to survival, protection, participation and development.

"Without an accurate birth registration records the Government cannot have authentic date for provision of health and education facilities in the various communities."

Mr Sarfo Mensah said there was the need to take a critical look at the Birth and Death Registration Law, Act 301, which was passed in 1965. "Mr Speaker it is also important that a birth and death information system is developed at the national, regional and district levels to help in the efficient management of birth and death records. "The use of motorbikes by registration assistants to visit remote communities to collect and collate data on birth and death occurring in the communities must also be vigorously pursued," he said. Captain Nkrabea Effah Dartey (rtd), NPP-Berekum said birth registration was important because it was a basic document for the proper development of the Ghanaian child.

He urged District Assemblies through Unit Committees and Town Councils to take it upon themselves to see to the registration of all births and deaths in the communities.

Mr Kojo Armah, CPP- Evalue Gwira, said traditional birth attendants should be empowered to also join in the registration of birth.