Ashanti Region records 232 maternal deaths in six months.

The Ashanti Regional Health Directorate has raised an alarm regarding the alarming surge in maternal mortality rates, which have surpassed the national threshold of 125 deaths per 100,000 live births.

At the 2025 Mid-Year Performance Review Meeting in Kumasi, Regional Health Director Dr. Fred Adomako-Boateng announced that a staggering 232 maternal deaths were reported in the first half of 2025. This represents a sharp escalation from the 144 deaths in 2023 and 158 in 2024. Dr. Adomako-Boateng identified uncoordinated referrals and insufficient capacity at peripheral health facilities as the key factors contributing to this increase.

He urged for swift and decisive systemic interventions to combat this challenge, emphasizing that the attainment of quality coverage under the PHC by 2030 hinges on the implementation of a functional gatekeeper system, effective referral filters, and well-resourced CHPS compounds and health centers.

He further stressed the importance of stakeholders collectively adopting this system, providing support in key areas such as accommodation, security, and equipment, and ensuring accountability among health officials.

“Without support from stakeholders, collectively backing this gatekeeper system, providing accommodation, security, equipment, and ensuring accountability, this cannot be done,” he said.