The Ashanti Regional Health Directorate has expressed grave concern over a disturbing surge in maternal deaths, revealing that 232 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births were recorded in the first half of 2025.
This figure represents a sharp increase from 158 deaths in the same period in 2024 and 144 in 2023, far exceeding the national target of 125 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births.
The alarming statistics were disclosed during the 2025 Half-Year Performance Review of the Ashanti Regional Health Directorate of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) held in Kumasi.
Addressing the review, the Ashanti Regional Health Director, Dr. Fred Adomako Boateng, attributed the rise mainly to poor referral systems and the limited capacity of peripheral health facilities.
According to him, “The situation is largely due to uncoordinated referrals and inadequate capacity at some of our frontline health facilities. This has delayed timely interventions for maternal complications and resulted in needless deaths.”
In response to the crisis, Dr. Adomako Boateng announced that the Directorate, in partnership with the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) and with support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), is rolling out a comprehensive intervention.
The measures include strengthening Primary Health Care (PHC) systems, building the capacity of frontline health workers to handle emergencies, and improving referral processes to ensure quick management of maternal complications.
“The health of mothers must be our collective priority,” he stressed. “We urgently need to reposition Primary Health Care as the backbone of healthcare delivery. This requires the support of all stakeholders, including local authorities and development partners, in providing accommodation, logistics, and equipment for health facilities.”
Despite the maternal mortality challenge, the review also highlighted some gains in the region’s health sector.
Notably, the Ashanti Region has recorded a 0% under-five malaria fatality rate for three consecutive half-year periods, a feat Dr. Adomako Boateng described as “encouraging and worth sustaining.”
On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of KATH, Dr. Paa Kwasi Baidoo, reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to supporting the Regional Health Directorate in addressing the rising maternal mortality.
“This review is not just about assessing metrics or financial statements,” he said. “It is a review of our collective promise to safeguard the health of our people for a stronger and healthier nation.”
Dr. Baidoo further noted that the alarming maternal health statistics presented during the review reflected the collective performance of health workers in the region.
“What we are seeing is not the effort of one institution but the reflection of all of us working in the health sector. We need to strengthen collaboration if we are to reverse this worrying trend,” he emphasised.
He assured the Regional Health Directorate of KATH’s continuous support in implementing strategic interventions to improve maternal health outcomes while advancing quality healthcare delivery across the Ashanti Region.
By: Nana Yaw Owusu (0240782639).