Ghana’s maternal mortality rate remains a significant concern, despite the country’s position not ranking among the top ten African nations with the highest rates, according to recent data from the World Population Review. The latest figure reported by World Population Review places Ghana’s maternal mortality rate at 235 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2024, a figure significantly above the Sustainable Development Goal target of fewer than 70 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030. This disparity highlights a persistent challenge for the nation’s healthcare system.
This concern is underscored by Deputy Minister for Health Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah, who stated during a Maternal Mortality Action and Response Programme tour, that Ghana’s maternal mortality ratio stood at 235 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2024, a major concern that necessitates intensified efforts to prevent avoidable deaths during pregnancy and childbirth. The figure represents a substantial increase compared to the global average, and reflects the ongoing burden experienced across the continent.
Ghana’s maternal mortality rate is notably higher than that of neighboring countries, particularly Nigeria and several other African nations, who consistently rank among the top ten. Nigeria, in particular, is among the countries with the highest maternal mortality rates, indicating a broader systemic issue with limited access to quality healthcare, particularly in rural areas. The data from the World Population Review further reveals that Chad, South Sudan, the Central African Republic, Guinea-Bissau, and Sierra Leone also exhibit substantially higher maternal mortality rates than the global average, suggesting a widespread challenge across the continent.
Despite this, Ghana’s position remains above the Sustainable Development Goal target of fewer than 70 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030, a stark reminder of the need for focused intervention. The Ministry of Health is actively exploring strategies to address this issue, including increased investment in maternal healthcare infrastructure, improved training for healthcare professionals, and enhanced access to emergency obstetric services. Furthermore, the country’s challenges extend beyond healthcare; factors such as conflict and political instability in several regions exacerbate the situation by hindering access to essential services and disrupting medical care. The report emphasizes the crucial role of strengthening primary healthcare systems and improving transportation networks to reach vulnerable populations, offering a path toward reducing the burden of maternal mortality in Ghana.
Specifically, the figure reported by World Population Review places Ghana’s maternal mortality rate at a level significantly above the Sustainable Development Goal target of fewer than 70 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030. This underscores the need for continued investment in maternal healthcare, particularly in the early identification of high-risk pregnancies and access to emergency obstetric services. The data presented indicates a significant gap between the country’s performance and the broader continental benchmark, demanding a comprehensive and sustained effort to improve maternal health outcomes.
These figures highlight that while Ghana is not among the top ten countries with the highest maternal mortality rates, its figure remains above the global average and significantly higher than the Sustainable Development Goal target of fewer than 70 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030. The data, alongside the ongoing efforts to address the challenges, reinforces the critical need for continued focus on improving maternal healthcare across the region.”
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