A/R: Maternal mortality hits 232 in just 6 months

The Ashanti Regional Health Directorate has expressed deep concern over a significant and alarming increase in maternal deaths, which have now exceeded the national target of 125 deaths per 100,000 live births.

Speaking at the 2025 Mid-Year Performance Review Meeting in Kumasi, Regional Health Director, Dr. Fred Adomako-Boateng, revealed that the region recorded 232 maternal deaths in just the first half of 2025, a sharp spike from 144 deaths in 2023 and 158 in 2024.

Dr. Adomako-Boateng attributed the surge to uncoordinated referral systems and limited capacity at peripheral health facilities, which are failing to provide timely and adequate care for expectant mothers.

He called for immediate, system-wide reforms, emphasising that the region cannot meet its Primary Health Care (PHC) goals by 2030 without a well-functioning gatekeeper system, strong referral mechanisms, and fully equipped CHPS compounds and health centres.

“The current situation is unsustainable, without coordinated support from all stakeholders improving accommodation, ensuring security, providing essential equipment, and enforcing accountability, our efforts will fall short,” Dr. Adomako-Boateng warned.

He urged health authorities, local government, traditional leaders, and development partners to come together to reinforce the healthcare system at the community level, stressing that maternal health must remain a top priority in the region’s health agenda.