Ghana maternal mortality rates show significant regional disparities

New health data from Ghana reveals significant regional disparities in maternal mortality rates. The Ashanti Region recorded the highest maternal mortality ratio in the country, rising from 195.6 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2024 to 196.7 in 2025. The region accounted for 24.6 per cent of all maternal deaths recorded nationwide in 2025.

In contrast, the Upper West Region reported a 45 per cent reduction in maternal deaths, with the mortality ratio dropping from 87.82 to 48.5 per 100,000 live births. This region is also preparing for the rollout of a Free Primary Healthcare policy covering approximately 790,000 people across 10 municipalities.

Nationally, Ghana’s maternal mortality ratio stands at 235 deaths per 100,000 live births. This figure remains significantly higher than the Sustainable Development Goals target of 70 deaths per 100,000 live births. Health officials noted that while some regions like the Western Region have seen improvements, others like the Bono and Upper East regions have experienced increases.