Ghana Urged to Prioritize Maternal Health on World Health Day

Accompanying the global observance of World Health Day 2025 on April 7, Ghana’s Ministry of Health underscores the vital importance of maternal health under the theme “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures.”
Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh’s recent statement highlights a critical need for urgent reforms and increased investments to combat concerning trends in maternal and newborn mortality rates. The Ministry’s call to action spotlights a pressing issue that jeopardizes both women and children and poses a threat to Ghana’s strides towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Alarming data shows a rise in maternal and newborn deaths within the nation, with an escalation in mortality rates across different regions. Greater Accra and Ashanti regions have witnessed a surge in maternal deaths, underscoring the urgency for immediate interventions.
Infant mortality rates have also seen a troubling increase, especially in the northern areas, solidifying the gravity of the situation. The Ministry reveals staggering statistics, with high numbers of children succumbing to preventable causes before their fifth birthday, shedding light on systemic shortcomings within Ghana’s healthcare infrastructure.
Declining rates of births attended by skilled health personnel pose further challenges, particularly in regions grappling with healthcare accessibility issues. The Ministry stresses the need for proactive measures to eliminate preventable maternal and newborn deaths, emphasizing the imperative nature of these efforts in achieving national and global development goals.
To bridge the existing gaps in maternal healthcare, the Ministry is actively implementing interventions outlined in its strategic plans. These initiatives aim to enhance maternal and newborn care services nationwide by expanding access to crucial screening programs, skilled birth attendants, and emergency obstetric and newborn care services.
Furthermore, the integration of mental health support, non-communicable disease management, and family planning into maternal healthcare services underscores a comprehensive approach to safeguarding maternal and child well-being.
While commending ongoing governmental initiatives like the Ghana Medical Care Trust Fund and the Free Primary Healthcare policy, the Ministry underscores the need for tangible action to prioritize the health and safety of women and children facing preventable risks.
On this World Health Day, the Ministry calls for a unified effort from all stakeholders to bolster maternal and newborn health outcomes. Communities are urged to engage in early health-seeking behaviors, while government bodies, civil society organizations, partners, and the private sector must renew their commitments and investments in this critical area.
In conclusion, the Ministry advocates for the empowerment of women and families through enhanced access to information, respectful care, and protection of their rights. Collaboration and support for frontline workers are deemed essential in addressing systemic healthcare gaps and improving maternal and newborn health outcomes.
The silent maternal health emergency in Ghana demands immediate attention and concerted action. By prioritizing healthy beginnings for mothers and their newborns, the nation can lay the foundation for hopeful futures and sustainable progress.