President Mahama Prioritises Maternal Health as Government Tackles Rising Mortality in Ashanti Region

The administration of President John Mahama has intensified its focus on reducing maternal mortality across Ghana, launching the Maternal Mortality Action and Response Plan (MMARP) to ensure every pregnancy results in a safe delivery. While national figures have shown a long-term decline—dropping from 943 to 234 deaths per 100,000 live births since the turn of the millennium—recent data highlights significant regional disparities. The Ashanti Region, in particular, has come under scrutiny as it currently accounts for nearly a quarter of all national maternal deaths, underscoring the urgent need for systemic reforms in the country's healthcare delivery.

In the Ashanti Region, the maternal mortality ratio saw a slight increase from 195.6 to 196.7 deaths per 100,000 live births between 2024 and 2025. A significant portion of these fatalities occurs at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), which records approximately 62% of the region's maternal deaths. Health directors have pointed out that 15% of these cases are "imported," with 92% of the deaths at KATH involving patients referred from outside the immediate metropolitan area. This influx of high-risk cases from peripheral facilities often arrives in critical condition, complicating the efforts of medical staff at the tertiary level.

Deputy Health Minister Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah has identified several systemic failures contributing to these statistics, including severe understaffing at community clinics and significant delays in the referral process. Many of the recorded emergencies are linked to hypertensive disorders and complications from previous cesarean sections. The delay in transporting patients from rural or peripheral facilities to specialized centers like KATH remains a primary hurdle. To address this, the government is focusing on streamlining the referral system and ensuring that emergency care is accessible before conditions become fatal.

Looking forward, the Mahama administration remains committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of fewer than 70 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030. Dr. Ayensu-Danquah has called for a collaborative approach that combines government-led initiatives with active community participation. By improving the Maternal Mortality Action and Response Plan and investing in both personnel and infrastructure, the Ministry of Health aims to bridge the gap between urban and rural healthcare outcomes, ensuring that no mother loses her life while bringing forth new life.