Ghana’s Deputy Minister for Health, Grace Ayensu-Danquah, has pledged to reduce maternal mortality by 20 per cent by December 2026 as part of an intensified national effort to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes.
The commitment was made during a working visit to the Awutu Senya East Municipal Health Directorate under Phase Three of the Maternal Mortality Action and Response Programme (MMARP).
Prof. Ayensu-Danquah described maternal mortality as Ghana’s only major health indicator that continues to worsen, despite increased access to skilled healthcare services. She disclosed that more than 950 maternal deaths were recorded nationwide last year, highlighting the urgent need for targeted interventions.
According to the Deputy Minister, the government is implementing a nationwide action plan focused on the early detection of pregnancy-related complications at the primary healthcare level, strengthening referral systems and improving the capacity of health facilities to respond to emergencies.
As part of the visit, she toured the Kasoa Mother and Child Hospital, where she led the presentation of essential medical equipment aimed at improving maternal healthcare delivery.
The items included a digital X-ray machine, an ultrasound scanner, delivery beds and other critical equipment. The donation follows a recent visit by the Health Minister to the facility.
Prof. Ayensu-Danquah also announced plans to deploy additional doctors, midwives and support staff to the hospital to help address growing demand for healthcare services and improve patient care.
The Deputy Minister later visited the Kasoa Polyclinic, where she engaged health workers on challenges facing frontline staff.
She stressed the need to address delays in referrals and improve responses to maternal emergencies, which remain key contributors to preventable deaths.
Prof. Ayensu-Danquah further underscored the importance of compassionate healthcare delivery and staff welfare, urging healthcare professionals to contribute practical solutions to support ongoing reforms.
She said the government remains committed to reducing preventable maternal deaths and ensuring safer pregnancies and childbirth outcomes across the country.