Health
Ghana is performing well in immunization, but maternal deaths remain a challenge- GHS
Maternal mortality continues to pose a serious public health challenge in Ghana, with 2,529 women aged between 12 and 54 reported to have died from pregnancy-related complications between 2021 and 2023.
The Ashanti, Greater Accra, Northern, and Eastern Regions recorded the highest number of maternal deaths during this period. Data shows that women aged 30 to 34 are the most affected, with leading causes including hemorrhage, hypertensive disorders, and infections.
In an interview with 3news on July 31, Deputy Director of Reproductive and Child Health, Dr. Chris Opoku Cofie, revealed that 819 maternal deaths were recorded in 2024 alone.
“As of 2024, we had a total of 819 mothers losing their lives during childbirth. The high-burden regions remain Ashanti, Greater Accra, Eastern, and Northern. 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,” he explained.
Prof. Duah Dwomoh, Biostatistician at the University of Ghana School of Public Health, expressed concern over the rising rate of family planning discontinuation, especially among urban dwellers.
“The rate of discontinuation of modern contraceptive methods increased significantly in 2022 compared to 2014. Regardless of wealth status, age, or region, we’re seeing declining interest in continued use. The discontinuity rate is even higher in urban settings. 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,” he said.
At the Countdown to 2030 National Dissemination Forum, Dr. Samuel K. Boakye, Regional Director of Health Services, emphasized ongoing efforts to reduce maternal mortality and improve outcomes for children and adolescents.
“Ghana is performing well in immunization, but maternal deaths remain a challenge. Data analysis helps inform policy decisions to ensure no mother dies during childbirth and no child dies within the first month of life,” he noted.
Prof. Kristine Wilsen, Associate Professor at the University of Southampton, commended Ghana’s commitment to reducing inequities in healthcare access and quality.
“Like many countries in the region, Ghana faces challenges in equity where disadvantaged groups have lower service coverage. However, 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. It’s good to see the political commitment to going forward and reducing that inequity in service coverage and quality of services,” she said.
