Ghana Health Service warns water shortages threaten maternal safety

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has warned that erratic water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services in the Upper East Region are endangering mothers and newborns during childbirth. Dr. Braimah Baba Abubakari, the Upper East Regional Director of the GHS, stated that while most health facilities technically have access to potable water via boreholes or the Ghana Water Company Limited, the supply is often inconsistent.

Dr. Abubakari emphasized that unreliable water access compromises infection prevention and control protocols, which are critical during delivery. He noted that even with sufficient medical staff and supplies, a lack of clean running water prevents facilities from delivering quality care.

Speaking at the Ghana Journalists Association Regional Awards in Bolgatanga, Dr. Abubakari also called for increased media attention to these issues. He urged journalists to move beyond routine statistics and report on how poor WASH conditions impact real communities, suggesting that sustained media focus is necessary to monitor health interventions and ensure practical improvements are made.