Ga Mantse backs national drive to reduce maternal deaths

The Deputy Minister for Health, Prof. Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, has appealed to the Ga Traditional Council to play a leading role in Ghana's renewed efforts to reduce maternal deaths, describing maternal mortality as the country's poorest-performing health indicator and a reflection of the overall strength of the healthcare system.

Speaking during a courtesy call on His Royal Majesty King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, the Ga Mantse, at the Ga Mantse Palace in Accra, Prof. Ayensu-Danquah said the government had elevated the fight against maternal mortality to a presidential priority under a new Maternal Mortality Action and Response Programme (MMARP).

According to her, Ghana recorded 986 maternal deaths in 2025, with the national maternal mortality ratio standing at 235 deaths per 100,000 live births—more than three times the World Health Organization's target of 70 deaths per 100,000 live births required to achieve Universal Health Coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals.

"Our maternal mortality is the worst-performing health index in the country," she said.

"Whenever a country's maternal mortality rate is this high, it tells you about the robustness of its health system. It reflects what is happening across our hospitals, polyclinics, district hospitals and regional referral centres."

Prof. Ayensu-Danquah disclosed that a 25-member technical working group has been established to implement the national response plan after extensive consultations within the health sector.

She noted that maternal deaths are concentrated in 11 regions, with Ashanti Region recording the highest burden, followed by the Greater Accra Region.

Recognising the influence of traditional leaders in shaping community behaviour, the Deputy Minister stressed that reducing maternal mortality extends beyond clinical care.

"It is not only about health workers," she explained.

"It is also about our traditions, our culture, our families and what happens at home during pregnancy. If we are talking about culture, tradition and family, then the best place to seek guidance is from our traditional authorities."

She therefore appealed to the Ga Traditional Council to partner with the Ministry of Health in promoting safe pregnancy practices, encouraging timely antenatal care and helping to address harmful cultural practices that may contribute to preventable maternal deaths.

Responding, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II welcomed the delegation and described maternal mortality as a national emergency requiring a united response from both government and traditional institutions.

"The large delegation here today shows that maternal mortality has become a very serious issue which we must confront," the Ga Mantse said.

He reaffirmed the Ga State's commitment to improving maternal and child health, citing ongoing efforts to support healthcare delivery, including donations of medical equipment to the Princess Marie Louise Children's Hospital, where he has maintained a longstanding relationship.

The Ga Mantse also referenced discussions held with the Mahama administration regarding the proposed 500-bed specialist children's hospital, describing the project as one that could significantly improve healthcare outcomes for mothers and children.

He proposed that the Ministry of Health organise regular educational workshops for queen mothers, priestesses and traditional leaders, equipping them with practical maternal health knowledge to educate women within their communities.

"The queen mothers and priestesses can become important channels through which simple but life-saving information is shared with pregnant women, guiding them safely through pregnancy and childbirth," he said.

King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II also expressed concern over overcrowding in maternity and emergency wards, particularly at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, where some expectant mothers are forced to sleep on the floor because of inadequate bed capacity.

He revealed that plans associated with the proposed children's hospital include converting the existing children's ward into accommodation for pregnant women and mothers travelling from across the country, while also incorporating a dedicated maternity unit and a diagnostic centre capable of detecting pregnancy-related complications early.

"We are ready to support this initiative because we cannot continue losing pregnant women and unborn children," he said.

"Every child has the potential to become a future leader of this nation, and every mother deserves the opportunity to give birth safely."

The Ga Mantse further emphasised the importance of personal hygiene, community education and instilling discipline in young girls, insisting that safeguarding maternal health requires a collective effort involving families, traditional institutions and the health sector.

The visit forms part of the Ministry of Health's nationwide stakeholder engagement under the Maternal Mortality Action and Response Programme, which seeks to mobilise community leadership alongside health professionals to accelerate Ghana's efforts to reduce preventable maternal and newborn deaths.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith