Maternal mortality remains a critical public health issue in Ghana, with 2,529 women aged 12 to 54 succumbing to pregnancy-related complications between 2021 and 2023.
This alarming trend highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions to safeguard the lives of expectant mothers.
Key Statistics and Affected Regions
The Ashanti, Greater Accra, Northern, and Eastern Regions bear the heaviest burden of maternal deaths. Data analysis reveals that women between 30 and 34 years old are most vulnerable, with hemorrhage, hypertensive disorders, and infections being the leading causes of death.
In a recent interview, Dr. Chris Opoku Cofie, Deputy Director of Reproductive and Child Health, disclosed a distressing 819 maternal deaths in 2024 alone. Dr. Cofie attributed these high figures in part to delays in referral and institutional care, stating, “When women are referred from far places to health facilities, they tend to spend a little bit more time on the way. Even when they get to the facilities, the institutional delays make it difficult for them to receive the needed care as quickly as possible.”
Addressing Challenges: Family Planning and Healthcare Access
The Decline in Family Planning
Prof. Duah Dwomoh, Biostatistician at the University of Ghana School of Public Health, raised concerns about the significant increase in the discontinuation rate of modern contraceptive methods in 2022 compared to 2014. This trend is particularly pronounced among urban dwellers, regardless of socioeconomic status or age.
Prof. Dwomoh suggested a shift in focus for the Ghana Health Service: “So maybe Ghana Health Service can shift focus slightly and also do more campaigns on the importance of doing family planning in the urban areas.”
Ongoing Efforts and Progress
Despite the challenges, concerted efforts are underway to improve maternal and child health outcomes. Dr. Samuel K. Boakye, Regional Director of Health Services, emphasized Ghana’s strong performance in immunization while acknowledging the persistent issue of maternal deaths.
He highlighted the importance of data analysis in informing policy decisions to achieve the goals of “no mother dies during childbirth and no child dies within the first month of life.”
Prof. Kristine Wilsen, Associate Professor at the University of Southampton, commended Ghana’s commitment to reducing inequities in healthcare access and quality. While acknowledging the challenges faced by disadvantaged groups, she noted positive progress: “data shows that this gap is narrowing over time. We’re seeing progress in reducing disparities based on wealth, maternal education, and urban-rural residency.”
This political commitment to improving equitable service coverage and quality is a positive sign for the future of maternal healthcare in Ghana.
