Ghana's Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists launches Kumasi Declaration to cut maternal deaths

The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Ghana (SOGOG) held its 2026 Annual General and Scientific Meeting in Kumasi, unveiling the "Kumasi Declaration" that re‑affirms a goal to end preventable maternal deaths by 2030. The meeting’s theme, “Every Mother Counts: Ending Preventable Maternal Deaths in Ghana in Line with SDG Targets,” highlighted the moral imperative of reducing maternal mortality to fewer than 70 deaths per 100,000 live births.

SOGOG President Prof. Thomas O. Konney warned that Ghana’s maternal mortality rate remains around 300 per 100,000 live births, far above the World Health Organization target, and noted a 51 % rise in deaths in the Ashanti region with 232 fatalities recorded in the first half of 2025. The declaration calls for stronger collaboration among government, health professionals, traditional and religious leaders, development partners and communities, and stresses the need for timely diagnosis, emergency obstetric care, and expanded skilled‑birth attendance.

Key pillars outlined include improving clinical excellence, training and workforce distribution, and forging partnerships to ensure every woman receives safe, respectful, and high‑quality care during pregnancy and childbirth.