Ghana's Upper East records 27 maternal deaths despite full antenatal coverage

The Upper East Regional Health Directorate reported 100 % antenatal care coverage for pregnant women in the first half of 2026, yet 27 women died during childbirth between January and June 2026, down from 60 the previous year. Regional Director Dr Braimah Baba Abubakari said most deaths were linked to delayed reporting and late referrals from community health compounds to district and regional hospitals, with long distances, poor roads and late arrival cited as key factors. The Bawku Municipality and Builsa South District each recorded four deaths, making them the hardest‑hit areas.

The figures were disclosed at a Joint Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health Strategic Planning Meeting in Bolgatanga, attended by health professionals from the Upper East, Northern and North‑East regions under the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) CHPS+ Project Phase II. KOICA Project Manager Myeongseon Kim urged stronger collaboration among health workers, caregivers and communities to improve early reporting, timely referrals and the quality of skilled care, emphasizing the need for practical action points to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality.