Otumfuo Demands Urgent Action to Curb Maternal Deaths in Ghana
Otumfuo urges urgent action to save mothers’ lives.
- Otumfuo calls maternal deaths unacceptable.
- He urges health workers to prevent avoidable deaths.
- He backs urgent action under M-MARP.
KUMASI, ASHANTI REGION – The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has called for urgent and practical measures to reduce maternal deaths in Ghana, describing the loss of women during childbirth as unacceptable in the 21st century.
He made the call when the Deputy Minister for Health, Dr Grace Ayensu Danquah, paid a courtesy call on him at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi during her official tour of the Ashanti Region.
The engagement formed part of efforts to involve key stakeholders in developing strategies to strengthen maternal healthcare delivery and accelerate the reduction of preventable maternal deaths.
Otumfuo commended Dr Ayensu Danquah for her work under the Maternal Mortality Action and Response Programme (M-MARP) and welcomed collaboration between the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service to address maternal mortality.
He stressed that women should not visit health facilities to give birth only to lose their lives in the process.
“It is unacceptable for women to go to health facilities to give birth and not return home alive,” the Asantehene said.
Call for Professionalism in Maternal Healthcare
The Asantehene urged doctors, nurses and other frontline health professionals to demonstrate commitment, diligence and professionalism in caring for pregnant women and mothers.
He cautioned against negligence and called on healthcare workers to take every necessary step to prevent avoidable maternal deaths.
Otumfuo also encouraged pregnant women to attend antenatal clinics regularly and follow medical advice throughout pregnancy.
He noted that timely access to antenatal services and skilled healthcare could help detect complications early and ensure appropriate treatment before they become life-threatening.
Support for M-MARP
The Asantehene further urged the Deputy Minister to pursue the Maternal Mortality Action and Response Programme with urgency, describing it as an important intervention in Ghana’s efforts to reduce maternal deaths.
Dr Ayensu Danquah is in the Ashanti Region as part of an official tour aimed at engaging health facilities and key stakeholders on measures to improve maternal healthcare services and outcomes for mothers and newborns.
The engagement is expected to contribute to ongoing national efforts to strengthen the healthcare system and ensure safer childbirth for women across the country.
