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10 clusters · 23 sources · 31 days · First seen · Last updated

Maternal mortality crisis in Ghana

Overview

Ghana continues to face a maternal mortality crisis, with the national ratio standing at 235 deaths per 100,000 live births. While this reflects progress from 943 deaths in 2000, it remains significantly above the Sustainable Development Goal target of fewer than 70 deaths per 100,000 live births. Recent data reveals stark regional disparities. The Ashanti Region recorded the highest mortality ratio, rising from 195.6 in 2024 to 196.7 in 2025, accounting for 24.6 per cent of all national maternal deaths. Conversely, the Upper West Region saw a 45 per cent reduction, dropping to 48.5 deaths per 100,000 live births, supported by the rollout of a Free Primary Healthcare policy. To combat these rates, the government is intensifying the Maternal Mortality Action and Response Plan (MMARP). In response to high mortality rates, the Ministry of Health has launched an assessment under MMARP to create a National Roadmap by identifying gaps in service delivery and referral pathways. Deputy Minister for Health, Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, noted that the Ashanti Region records the highest number of maternal deaths, facing a significant referral burden that necessitates upgrading sub-regional facilities. In the Ashanti Region, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) reported its first decline in maternal deaths in ten years, with institutional deaths dropping from 78 at mid-year 2025 to 55 in 2026. CEO Dr. Paa Kwesi Baidoo attributed this to a dedicated maternal Intensive Care Unit (ICU) staffed by specialists. KATH also completed an Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Centre, becoming the first public-sector institution in Ghana to offer specialized fertility services. However, calls for systemic reform persist. Akosua Manu, an adviser on Gender and Social Protection, has urged Parliament to declare maternal mortality a national emergency and launch a bipartisan inquiry.

Entities

Ghana Health Service · Ghana · Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital · Ministry of Health · Dr. Grace Ayensu Danquah

Timeline

  1. 9 days ago

    [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital reports first decline in maternal deaths in a decade

    Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital recorded a 30% drop in maternal deaths in early 2026, while Ghana's Ministry of Health intensifies efforts to address high mortality rates in the Ashanti Region.

  2. 14 days ago

    [HEALTH] 4 sources
    Akosua Manu calls for inquiry into Ghana maternal deaths

    Akosua Manu has called for a bipartisan parliamentary inquiry and a national emergency response to address Ghana’s maternal mortality crisis, noting 965 pregnancy-related deaths in 2025.

  3. 15 days ago

    [HEALTH] 8 sources
    Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital reports decline in maternal deaths and opens fertility centre

    Ghana's Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital reports its first drop in maternal deaths in a decade due to a new maternal ICU and has launched the country's first public-sector fertility centre.

  4. 15 days ago

    [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Healthcare improvements target maternal and neonatal mortality in Ghana and Malawi

    Health officials in Ghana and Malawi are targeting maternal and neonatal mortality through improved referral systems, clinical mentorship, and upgraded nursery infrastructure.

  5. 18 days ago

    [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Ghana Gender Minister meets midwives to address maternal mortality

    Ghana's Gender Minister and the National Association of Registered Midwives met to address maternal mortality gaps and coordinate social protection with healthcare to meet 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

  6. 22 days ago

    [HEALTH] 3 sources
    Ghana launches initiative to reduce maternal mortality

    Ghana is implementing the Maternal Mortality Action and Response Plan to reduce maternal deaths and meet WHO benchmarks for safer childbirth.

  7. 27 days ago

    [HEALTH] 3 sources
    Asantehene calls for urgent action to end maternal deaths in Ghana

    The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has urged urgent action in Ghana to reduce maternal mortality, calling for increased professionalism among health workers and support for the M-MARP initiative.

  8. 29 days ago

    [HEALTH] 4 sources
    Ghana maternal mortality rates show significant regional disparities

    Ghana reports varying maternal mortality rates, with the Ashanti Region recording the highest national ratio, while the Upper West Region saw a 45% decline ahead of new healthcare rollouts.

  9. about 1 month ago

    [HEALTH] 4 sources
    Ghana faces maternal mortality crisis amid medical skill gaps

    Ghana recorded 986 maternal deaths in 2024. Experts attribute the rising mortality rate to inadequate medical skills during procedures and systemic under-resourcing rather than the procedures themselves.

  10. about 1 month ago

    [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Ghana's Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists launches Kumasi Declaration to cut maternal deaths

    SOGOG’s 2026 meeting in Kumasi issued a declaration to end preventable maternal deaths in Ghana by 2030, citing a mortality rate of 300/100k and a recent 51% surge, and urging nationwide collaboration and care‑

Sources

adomonline.com · chale.news · dailyguidenetwork.com · ghanaguardian.com · ghanaiantimes.com.gh · ghanamma.com · ghananewspage.com · gharticles.com · ghstandard.com · kessbenonline.com · metrotvonline.com · mwnation.com · myjoyonline.com · opemsuo.com · powolania.klaretyni.pl · pulse.com.gh · starrfm.com.gh · techfocus24.com · thechronicle.com.gh · theghanareport.com · thevaultznews.com · thevoicenewsmagazine.com · wiredspace.wits.ac.za

This summary has been updated 8 times: see revision history