Ashanti Region Records 25% Decline in Maternal Mortality as First Lady Advocates for Holistic Women’s Health

Ghana's efforts to curb maternal mortality are showing significant results on the ground while gaining renewed political momentum on the international stage. In the Ashanti Region, health officials have reported a notable 25% reduction in maternal deaths during the first half of 2025, a milestone that aligns with the broader goals of the Presidential Initiative on Maternal Health Emergency Response (PRIMER). This progress comes as First Lady Lordina Dramani Mahama calls for a holistic approach to women’s health and empowerment, underscoring Ghana’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of fewer than 70 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030.

According to Dr. Fred Adomako-Boateng, the Ashanti Regional Director of Health Services, the maternal mortality rate in the region dropped from 199.5 to 148.7 deaths per 100,000 live births when comparing the first half of 2025 to the same period in the previous year. While a significant portion of these deaths occurred at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), the regional health directorate is focusing on strengthening the medical capacity of peripheral facilities to sustain this downward trend. To further improve access, the regional government has also implemented free primary health care services across eight districts, aiming to prevent the avoidable family tragedies often associated with childbirth complications.

These localized successes are being supported by large-scale initiatives like PRIMER, a five-year program designed to enhance emergency responses and improve access to essential resources. Dr. Sennen Hounton, the UNFPA Regional Director for West and Central Africa, has emphasized that clinical interventions alone are insufficient. During a roundtable in Accra, he argued that a multisectoral approach—addressing infrastructure, energy, and finance—is critical, given that sub-Saharan Africa still accounts for approximately 70% of global maternal deaths. Dr. Hounton called for innovative financing and increased investment in reproductive health to support this urgent agenda.

Complementing these efforts, First Lady Lordina Dramani Mahama recently championed the cause of African women at the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) summit in New York. Reflecting on the organization's 25-year history, Mrs. Mahama advocated for resilient healthcare systems that integrate education and economic empowerment into the maternal health narrative. She reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to prioritizing the rights of women and children, suggesting that sustainable improvements in health outcomes are inextricably linked to the broader socio-economic status and empowerment of women across the continent.