The Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi has recorded a 30 per cent reduction in maternal deaths in recent months following targeted interventions to improve pregnancy care and emergency childbirth services, Deputy Health Minister Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah has disclosed.
Speaking at a Public Accounts Committee (PAC) meeting in Parliament on October 19, 2026, Dr Ayensu-Danquah attributed the improvement to a mentorship programme for doctors performing caesarean sections at lower-level health facilities and a virtual labour room that allows specialists to guide midwives remotely.
The Ministry of Health plans to expand these interventions nationwide as part of efforts to reduce maternal mortality in Ghana and improve access to quality maternal healthcare.
Ghana Records 445 Maternal Deaths in 2026
Despite the progress at KATH, Ghana recorded 445 maternal deaths by mid-year 2026, compared with 419 during the same period in 2025.
Dr Ayensu-Danquah described maternal mortality as one of the country’s most concerning health indicators, noting that Ghana’s maternal mortality ratio stands at 234 deaths per 100,000 live births. This remains significantly above the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) target of 70 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030.
She warned that many maternal deaths are preventable if pregnant women receive timely diagnosis, emergency treatment and appropriate medical care.
Ministry Seeks Dedicated Maternal Health Funding
Ahead of the 2027 Budget, the Ministry of Health is pushing for dedicated government funding for maternal healthcare and expanded National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) coverage for critical care during pregnancy and childbirth.
The proposed measures would support essential services, including intensive care, oxygen supply, blood transfusions and specialist medical interventions for women experiencing pregnancy-related complications.
The Ministry also wants to address fragmented funding for maternal health programmes and ensure more coordinated nationwide interventions.
Three Major Challenges Behind Maternal Deaths
According to Dr Ayensu-Danquah, three major factors contribute to maternal deaths in Ghana:
- Late identification of high-risk pregnancies: Conditions such as hypertension and severe anaemia are sometimes not detected early at primary healthcare facilities.
- Delays in emergency referrals: Ambulance shortages and weaknesses in the referral system prevent some pregnant women from reaching hospitals on time.
- Limited critical care resources: Shortages of blood, ventilators and intensive care facilities make it difficult for hospitals to manage severe maternal complications.
She urged healthcare professionals to improve early detection of anaemia and pay attention to pica, a condition involving cravings for non-food substances such as chalk or ice, which may indicate an underlying health problem.
The Deputy Minister also stressed that high-risk pregnant women should deliver at appropriately equipped hospitals rather than facilities without the capacity to manage serious complications.
Parliament Backs Increased Funding for Maternal Healthcare
PAC Chairperson Abena Osei-Asare said the Committee would present the Auditor-General’s performance audit report on maternal mortality when Parliament resumed sitting.
She added that the report’s recommendations would help inform discussions on the 2027 national budget, including efforts to secure dedicated funding for maternal health services.
Dr Ayensu-Danquah cautioned that Ghana could continue to record high maternal mortality rates beyond 2030 without urgent and sustained investment in emergency obstetric care, healthcare infrastructure and skilled medical personnel.
The Ministry of Health is therefore seeking stronger government support, improved NHIS coverage and nationwide implementation of successful interventions to prevent avoidable maternal deaths and protect the lives of pregnant women.
Source: newsthemegh.com