The Ashanti Region is currently facing significant scrutiny following a concerning new report detailing a substantial increase in maternal mortality rates, with nearly a quarter of all national deaths occurring within the region. This figure, revealed by the Health Delivery in the Ashanti Region Health Directorate, represents a stark and complex situation, far exceeding the national average of 235 deaths per 100,000 live births. A deeper analysis reveals a confluence of factors contributing to this alarming trend, including bottlenecks in referral pathways, staffing gaps within peripheral facilities, and significant delays in the delivery of essential services.
Statistics from the Ashanti Regional Health Directorate demonstrate a rising trend since 2024, with maternal mortality ratios increasing from 195.6 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2024 to 196.7 per 100,000 live births in 2025. This data underscores the region’s position as a leading contributor to national maternal mortality, surpassing the Greater Accra and Northern Regions in this regard.
While 85% of cases are directly attributable to the Ashanti Region, a noteworthy 15% originate from outside the region, a figure that raises serious concerns. The region remains the closest to the national average of 235 deaths per 100,000 live births, almost three times above the Sustainable Development Goal 3 target. The geographic distribution of these deaths is particularly pronounced, with 61.5% of cases occurring within Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, the only teaching hospital in the region. Notably, 92% of deaths at KATH are directly linked to referrals originating from outside the region, suggesting a potential for perpetuating the problem.
Furthermore, audits conducted across health facilities reveal a concerning trend: approximately 30% of deaths are referred to KATH, with 19% originating from outside the region. This highlights a critical bottleneck in the system, with a significant portion of deaths occurring at the hospital itself.
Dr. Fred Adomako-Boateng, the Health Director, emphasized the critical need for immediate intervention. He stated that a significant percentage of deaths – 15% of the cases – originated from outside the region, and this represents a persistent challenge. The region’s location also presents a significant issue, with 61.5% of deaths occurring within KATH, and approximately 39% outside of it. The report points to a complex web of issues driving this situation, including inadequate numbers, skill mix at the periphery, and workload pressures. “Medical conditions referred to KATH in 2025… and we will have to ask ourselves these questions: Why were they referred to KATH? So, you see the figure: Hypertensive disease in pregnancy was about what? 30%. Abnormal labour was about 16%. The question: Why would somebody let somebody go…” Dr. Adomako-Boateng underscored the need for a comprehensive review, with the next graph illustrating this trend – 92% of deaths occurring in Komfo Anokye are outside. Deputy Health Minister, Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah, has expressed her commitment to addressing this crisis, urging swift action to reverse the current trajectory and improve maternal health outcomes in the Ashanti Region. “We will move on to targeted referral reforms to address these critical issues.” The situation demands immediate attention and a coordinated strategy to mitigate the risks associated with this persistent challenge.
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Source: MyJoyOnline
