The Ashanti Region has recently emerged as the region with the most maternal mortality rate in Ghana, surpassing the previous record of 195.6 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2024, reaching 196.7 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2025. This alarming figure underscores a critical concern within Ghana’s healthcare system, particularly impacting the region’s health outcomes and contributing to national targets for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Data from the Ashanti Regional Health Directorate reveals a maternal mortality ratio of 24.6% of all deaths recorded nationwide in 2025, representing the highest share among the regions presented. This elevated rate is substantially higher than the 175.7 deaths per 100,000 live births observed in 2024, while the Northern Region recorded 128.7 deaths per 100,000 live births, compared with 122.9 in the previous year. The Eastern Region exhibited a marginal increase from 113.4 to 113.6, while the Central Region saw a decline from 104.7 to 97.9 deaths per 100,000 live births. The Upper East Region experienced the most significant increase, rising from 97.4 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2024 to 132.5 in 2025, representing a substantial increase in maternal mortality rates. The Western Region, however, showed a slight improvement, with its maternal mortality ratio falling from 97.8 to 88.5 deaths per 100,000 live births, a trend that warrants further investigation. The Bono Region demonstrated the sharpest increase, rising from 70.4 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2024 to 125.3 in 2025, highlighting a concerning trend. The report indicates that the Ashanti Region’s maternal mortality is significantly influenced by a complex interplay of factors. Dr. Grace Ayensu Danquah, Deputy Minister of Health, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that Ghana faces a major concern, particularly with the country striving towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. She explained that the national maternal mortality ratio currently stands at 235 deaths per 100,000 live births, significantly higher than the SDG target of 70 deaths per 100,000 live births. She added that the current national maternal mortality index is 235 per 100,000 live births, and that for reaching universal health coverage and the SDGs, the recommendation is 70 deaths per 100,000 live births. The report underscores the need for a comprehensive assessment of the social, economic, geographical, and healthcare factors that contribute to maternal deaths. The health authorities have cautioned against attributing the high maternal mortality figures solely to the quality of care provided at health facilities. They stress the need for a broader examination of the social, economic, geographical and healthcare factors that contribute to maternal deaths. According to data released by the authorities, identifying the multiple causes behind maternal deaths will be critical to designing targeted interventions and reducing preventable deaths among women during pregnancy and childbirth. Ending double-track system will improve SHS students’ performance – Mahama. Furthermore, the death toll in the Ofankor barrier crash has hit 12, with 22 individuals still hospitalized. The Health Directorate has issued a warning about the potential for this alarming trend to persist, emphasizing the urgent need for increased vigilance and proactive measures to address maternal health challenges across the Ashanti Region and the nation.”]”””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””
Watch Related Video
Source: Adom Online
