The Ashanti Regional Health Directorate has expressed deep concern over a major surge in maternal deaths in the region, with 232 cases recorded in the first half of 2025.
According to the Regional Health Director, Dr. Fred Adomako-Boateng, the figure exceeds the national target of 125 deaths per 100,000 live births and represents a sharp increase from 144 deaths in 2023 and 158 in 2024.
Dr. Adomako-Boateng attributed the rise to uncoordinated referrals and inadequate capacity at peripheral health facilities, stressing the need for urgent systemic interventions to address the challenge.
Speaking at the 2025 Mid-Year Performance Review Meeting in Kumasi, Dr. Adomako-Boateng emphasized that a functional gatekeeper system, effective referral filters, and well-resourced Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS to CHPS compounds and health centers were crucial to achieving quality coverage under the Primary Health Care (PHC) strategy by 2030.
Dr. Adomako-Boateng called on stakeholders to collectively support the system, provide assistance in areas such as accommodation, security, and equipment, and ensure accountability among health officials to make this goal achievable.
