Ghana Records 986 Maternal Deaths in 2024, Health Ministry Discloses

• Ghana's Ministry of Health disclosed the country's maternal mortality figures for 2024, pointing to a significant public health burden
• Deputy Health Minister Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah made the announcement during a national programme tour in Accra
• The government has outlined targeted interventions, including upgrades at major referral hospitals, as part of a broader national strategy

Ghana recorded 986 maternal deaths in 2024, translating to a national maternal mortality ratio of 235 per 100,000 live births, the Ministry of Health has disclosed.

Deputy Minister of Health Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah made the announcement in Accra during the Maternal Mortality Action and Response Programme tour.

"In 2024, 986 pregnant women died," she stated, characterising the figures as a considerable public health challenge facing the country.

Ghana strengthens primary care to save lives

In a report by GhanaWeb, Dr Ayensu-Danquah underscored the critical role that well-resourced local health facilities play in reversing the trend.

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She argued that detecting high-risk pregnancies at the primary care level and ensuring prompt referrals to specialist services are central to reducing fatalities.

Improving basic health infrastructure and the quality of care available at community health centres, the Deputy Health Minister noted, remains a priority for delivering consistent support to women throughout pregnancy and childbirth.

The government has also identified infrastructural and equipment deficiencies at key referral hospitals as areas requiring urgent attention.

The Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, one of Ghana's foremost medical institutions, is among the facilities earmarked for improvement under the intervention plan.

Ghana's 20% reduction target by end of 2026

The measures form part of a broader national strategy with a concrete target: cutting maternal deaths by 20 per cent before the close of 2026.

Achieving that goal, the Deputy Minister stressed, will depend on sustained coordination between frontline healthcare workers, development partners and other relevant stakeholders.

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Dr Ayensu-Danquah reiterated that eliminating preventable maternal deaths remains a national priority, calling on all parties involved in Ghana's health system to maintain collective commitment to the cause.

Pregnant woman and child die in fatal crash

In a related development, YEN.com.gh earlier reported that a vehicle had ploughed into a crowd of pedestrians at Bukom Junction in the Ga Mashie community on Monday, July 27, 2026.

At least three people had been killed on the spot, with a pregnant woman and a young child among those feared dead.

Eyewitnesses had reported that the driver allegedly suffered brake failure moments before the devastating collision.

Source: YEN.com.gh