Ghana records 986 maternal deaths in 2024, government commits to reducing mortality
Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, Deputy Minister of Health, revealed that 986 pregnant women died in Ghana in 2024, with a maternal mortality ratio of 235 deaths per 100,000 live births. She described maternal mortality as a significant public health challenge, emphasizing that no woman should die during childbirth. The disclosure was made during the Maternal Mortality Action and Response Programme tour in Accra on Thursday, August 6, 2026. The program aims to assess maternal healthcare quality, identify system gaps, and develop interventions. Dr. Ayensu-Danquah highlighted the need for sustained efforts to strengthen maternal healthcare services and emphasized the importance of robust primary healthcare for early detection of high-risk pregnancies and timely referrals. She stated that improving primary healthcare infrastructure and services would significantly reduce maternal deaths. The Deputy Minister also announced government plans to address infrastructure and equipment challenges at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital as part of broader efforts to enhance maternal healthcare delivery. She reiterated that safeguarding pregnant women's lives is a national priority and called for collaboration among healthcare professionals, development partners, and stakeholders to prevent maternal deaths. Ghana aims to reduce maternal deaths by 20% by the end of 2026.
