The Ashanti Regional Health Director, Dr. Fred Adomako Boateng, has expressed concern over the rising number of maternal deaths in the region, despite efforts to improve healthcare services.
At the 2024 Health Sector Performance Review, Dr. Boateng questioned the high maternal mortality rate, citing statistics that show a worrying trend.
Between 2020 and 2024, a total of 889 women died during childbirth in the Ashanti Region. The Institutional Maternal Mortality Ratio per 100,000 live births has consistently exceeded the target of 125 deaths, with 105 deaths in 2020, 132 deaths in 2021, 134 deaths in 2022, 167 deaths in 2023, and 166 deaths in 2024.
Dr. Boateng emphasized the need to address disparities in doctor-to-population and nurse-to-population ratios. While the ratios have improved, significant inequities persist within the region.
The doctor-to-population ratio improved from 1:17,169 in 2020 to 1:5,614 in 2024, and the nurse-to-population ratio improved from 1:7,169 in 2020 to 1:614 in 2024.
To promote excellence, Amansie West, Asante South, and Sekyere South health facilities were recognized as the best-performing health institutions.
The event was attended by dignitaries, including the Otumfuo Hiahene, Nana Professor Oheneba Boachie-Adjei Woahene II.
Ghana aims to reduce maternal mortality to 70 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030. The Ashanti Region’s high maternal mortality rate poses a significant challenge to achieving this goal.
