The Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah, has announced that the government aims to reduce maternal deaths in Ghana by 20 per cent before the end of 2026.
She announced during a working visit to the Awutu Senya East Municipal Health Directorate as part of Phase Three of the Maternal Mortality Action and Response Programme (MMARP).
The nationwide programme is aimed at improving maternal healthcare and reducing preventable deaths among pregnant women and newborns.
Dr Ayensu-Danquah described maternal mortality as one of Ghana’s biggest health challenges and expressed concern over the rising number of deaths linked to pregnancy and childbirth complications.
According to her, more than 950 women died from pregnancy and childbirth-related complications last year.
She said the government has introduced a comprehensive plan to improve the early detection of pregnancy complications, strengthen referral systems, and equip health facilities to respond more effectively to emergencies.
As part of her visit, the deputy minister toured the Kasoa Mother and Child Hospital, where she supervised the presentation of medical equipment to improve maternal and neonatal healthcare.
The items included a digital X-ray machine, an ultrasound scanner, delivery beds and other essential medical supplies.
Dr Ayensu-Danquah also announced plans to deploy more doctors, midwives and support staff to busy health facilities across the country to improve healthcare delivery and reduce pressure on existing workers.
During a visit to the Kasoa Polyclinic, she met with frontline health workers to discuss challenges affecting maternal healthcare, including delays in referrals and difficulties with emergency response.
She stressed the need for compassionate healthcare services and improved welfare for health workers.
The deputy minister said the government remains committed to ensuring that no woman loses her life during childbirth and that mothers and babies across the country receive quality healthcare services.
She added that improving health facilities, strengthening emergency systems and increasing staffing levels are key measures aimed at reducing preventable maternal deaths nationwide.
