A newly released national insights report by Blueprint DNA has shed fresh light on how paternity testing is being used across Ghana, offering one of the most detailed data-driven analyses on the subject to date.

The report, titled Understanding Paternity Testing in Ghana: Findings from a Nationwide Laboratory Dataset, was unveiled at a stakeholder and media briefing held at the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons on March 25, 2026.

The event brought together key professional bodies, including the Ghana Medical Association, Ghana Bar Association, Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association, and the Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists.

Key findings from the data


The analysis revealed that about 42% of cases resulted in paternity exclusion, meaning the tested individual was not the biological father. However, researchers cautioned that this reflects only individuals who already had doubts and sought testing—not the general population.

Another major trend showed that 58% of children tested were under six years old, indicating that many families pursue confirmation of biological parentage early in a child’s life.

The report also highlighted behavioural patterns:


  • Younger individuals tend to seek testing earlier

  • Older individuals are more likely to delay testing

  • Cases involving older children recorded higher exclusion rates, suggesting prolonged uncertainty before testing is pursued

Expert insights


Speaking at the briefing, Dr Abeiku Ghansah, Medical Director of Blueprint DNA, emphasised the importance of context in interpreting the findings.

He explained that the dataset is based on anonymised laboratory records and should not be generalised to the wider population.

Meanwhile, Dr Emmanuel Gyimah Amankwa of Age Healthcare Consult noted that the report comes amid growing national conversations around paternity, identity, and related legal considerations.

Expanding diagnostic services


Beyond paternity testing, the briefing also introduced Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT)—a screening method that can detect genetic conditions such as Down syndrome and Edwards syndrome as early as eight weeks into pregnancy.

Broader implications


Blueprint DNA says the report is part of a wider effort to provide evidence-based insights into the role of DNA testing in healthcare and society.

The findings are expected to inform ongoing discussions on family dynamics, medical diagnostics, and potential policy directions related to paternity and child identification in Ghana.