The Ashanti Regional Health Directorate has expressed deep concern over a sharp rise in maternal deaths, with 232 deaths per 100,000 live births recorded in the first half of 2025. This marks a significant increase from 158 in 2024 and 144 in 2023, far exceeding Ghana’s national target of 125 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births.
The figures were revealed at the 2025 Half-Year Performance Review of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) in Kumasi.
According to Dr. Fred Adomako-Boateng, Regional Health Director, the rise is largely due to uncoordinated referrals and the limited capacity of peripheral health facilities to handle maternal emergencies.
To curb the situation, the Directorate working with the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) and supported by UNICEF is rolling out a comprehensive plan. The initiative will focus on:
- Strengthening Primary Health Care (PHC) systems.
- Improving referral networks for timely management of complications.
- Enhancing the capacity of frontline facilities to respond to emergencies.
The performance review was held under the theme:
“Strengthening Primary Health Care through Networks of Practice towards Universal Health Coverage: The Role of Stakeholders.”
This theme, officials stressed, reflects the urgent need to reposition PHC as the backbone of healthcare delivery in the region.
Dr. Adomako-Boateng appealed to stakeholders including local authorities and development partners to provide health facilities with logistics, equipment, and staff accommodation to help reverse the worrying trend.
Despite the maternal health challenges, the region recorded some successes, notably maintaining a 0% under-five malaria fatality rate for three consecutive half-year periods.
“The health of mothers must be our collective priority,” Dr. Adomako-Boateng urged, calling for immediate and united action.
Adding his voice, Dr. Paa Kwasi Baidoo, CEO of KATH, reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to collaborate with the Directorate to improve maternal health outcomes. He noted that the review was not only about figures but also about keeping a collective promise to safeguard lives and strengthen healthcare systems.
He further stressed that the statistics reflect the performance of all health workers in the region, urging stronger collaboration among stakeholders.
Dr. Baidoo assured the Directorate of KATH’s continuous support in implementing strategic interventions to improve maternal health and enhance overall healthcare delivery in the Ashanti Region.
