The study examined the trend in contraceptive use among sexually active women of reproductive age in
Ghana. The study also investigated the socioeconomic determinants of contraceptive use. Cross tabulations
and logistic regression analyses were performed on data from the Ghana Demographic and Health Surveys
1988 - 2008. The results indicate low contraceptive use among women with marked variation in
contraceptive use across various socioeconomic groups and administrative regions. Evidence from the logistic
regressions suggests that improving education and reducing poverty are critical in improving contraceptive use
and reducing unmet need for family planning. Child survival, access to family planning services and knowledge
of contraceptive methods were also found to be significant determinants of contraceptive use. The
importance of improving financial and infrastructural access to contraceptives was confirmed by the findings
of the study.