Omanghana
Ghana recorded 986 maternal deaths in 2024, translating into a maternal mortality ratio of 235 deaths per 100,000 live births.
Deputy Minister for Health Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah disclosed the figures during the launch of the Maternal Mortality Action and Response Program tour in Accra on August 6, 2026.
The Ministry of Health described the situation as a serious public health challenge and reiterated that preventing avoidable deaths among pregnant women remains a national priority.
Ghana Remains Far from Global Target
Ghana’s maternal mortality ratio remains substantially higher than the global target of fewer than 70 deaths per 100,000 live births.
The disparity highlights the urgent need for stronger maternal healthcare systems, early medical intervention and improved access to qualified health professionals throughout pregnancy, delivery and the postnatal period.
Health officials also identified significant regional differences in maternal health outcomes. According to the Ministry, the Ashanti Region currently records the highest number of maternal deaths in the country.
Maternal Mortality Reflects Wider Health System Challenges
The Ministry emphasized that maternal health outcomes are an important measure of the overall strength and responsiveness of a country’s healthcare system.
Deaths during pregnancy or childbirth may be linked to delays in seeking medical care, reaching an adequately equipped facility or receiving appropriate treatment after arrival.
Women who survive serious childbirth complications may also experience long-term medical conditions. These include obstetric fistulas and other postnatal complications that can affect their physical health, emotional well-being and ability to participate fully in family and community life.
Primary Healthcare Facilities to Be Strengthened
As part of efforts to reduce maternal deaths, the Ministry of Health plans to strengthen primary healthcare facilities across the country.
The initiative will focus on equipping local health centers to identify high-risk pregnancies at an early stage. It will also seek to improve referral systems so that expectant mothers requiring specialist care can be transferred to appropriate facilities without dangerous delays.
Improving communication and coordination between community-based facilities, district hospitals and major referral centers is expected to form an important part of the intervention.
Nationwide Assessment of Maternal Health Facilities
Through the Maternal Mortality Action and Response Program tour, health officials will visit maternal healthcare facilities across the country to evaluate their operations.
The assessments will identify shortages, clinical weaknesses, referral challenges and other barriers affecting the quality of maternal care. Findings from each facility are expected to guide targeted interventions that respond to local conditions rather than applying a single approach nationwide.
The program forms part of the government’s broader effort to strengthen maternal healthcare services and accelerate Ghana’s progress toward reducing preventable deaths among pregnant women and new mothers.
Source: Omanghana
