70% of Maternal Deaths Recorded in 11 Regions – Ayensu-Danquah

Deputy Health Minister Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah has disclosed that about 70 per cent of maternal deaths in Ghana are concentrated in 11 regions, with the Ashanti Region recording the highest number, followed by Greater Accra.

She said the situation has informed the government’s decision to focus on the affected regions under the five-year Presidential Initiative on Maternal Health Emergency Response (PRIMER).

Speaking at the launch of PRIMER, held under the theme “No Woman Should Die While Giving Life,” Dr Ayensu-Danquah said Ghana’s maternal mortality rate has plateaued at 234 deaths per 100,000 live births, requiring urgent intervention.

She noted that a review of 53 maternal health policies, documents and statements dating back to 1973 showed the need for a more targeted approach to reducing maternal deaths.

According to her, PRIMER will initially focus on 11 regions, 11 hospitals, 164 districts and 27 key facilities identified for intervention.

She disclosed that 965 institutional maternal deaths were recorded in 2025, with many occurring at referral hospitals among women referred from primary healthcare facilities.

Dr Ayensu-Danquah cited Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital as an example, noting that only 8.6 per cent of maternal deaths recorded there in 2025 involved women from the Ashanti Region, while about 80 per cent were referrals.

She said the high number of referrals highlights gaps in identifying high-risk pregnancies and weaknesses in the referral system at the primary healthcare level.

The Deputy Health Minister also identified severe anaemia, high blood pressure, inadequate critical care equipment, limited access to blood, and shortages of high dependency and intensive care units, cardiotocography machines and ultrasound equipment as major challenges.

PRIMER aims to achieve a 20 per cent annual reduction in maternal mortality over the next three years, with the programme already beginning in the Ashanti Region.