Ghana’s Monarch Sounds Alarm on Alarming Maternal Mortality Rates

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has expressed his deep concern over the high number of maternal deaths in Ghana. He made the call for urgent action during a meeting with the Deputy Minister for Health, Dr Grace Ayensu Danquah, at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.

Maternal Mortality Crisis in Ghana

The meeting between the Asantehene and the Deputy Minister was part of efforts to engage key stakeholders on strategies to strengthen maternal healthcare delivery and accelerate the reduction of preventable maternal deaths. Otumfuo commended Dr Ayensu Danquah for her work under the Maternal Mortality Action and Response Programme (M-MARP) and welcomed the collaboration between the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service to tackle maternal mortality.

Unacceptable Losses in the 21st Century

The Asantehene described the loss of women during childbirth as unacceptable in the 21st century. He emphasized that it was unacceptable for women to visit health facilities to give birth and not return home alive. Otumfuo urged doctors, nurses, and other frontline health workers to demonstrate commitment and professionalism in providing maternal healthcare.

Preventable Deaths Must Be Avoided

The Asantehene cautioned against negligence and called on health professionals to take all necessary steps to prevent avoidable maternal deaths. He noted that timely access to antenatal and skilled healthcare could help identify and manage complications before they become life-threatening. Otumfuo also urged pregnant women to attend antenatal clinics regularly and adhere to medical advice.

Action Required to Reduce Maternal Deaths

The Asantehene encouraged the Deputy Minister to pursue the M-MARP initiative with urgency, describing it as an important intervention in the country's efforts to reduce maternal deaths. Dr Ayensu Danquah is in the Ashanti Region as part of a tour to engage health facilities and key stakeholders on ways to strengthen maternal healthcare services and improve outcomes for mothers and newborns. The visit aims to strengthen maternal healthcare delivery and accelerate the reduction of preventable maternal deaths.

Maternal Mortality Crisis Requires Collective Action

The high number of maternal deaths in Ghana is a worrying trend that requires collective action. The Asantehene's call for urgent action highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to address the root causes of maternal mortality. It is only through a concerted effort by all stakeholders that the country can reduce the number of preventable maternal deaths and improve maternal healthcare outcomes.

Source: JOY