Deputy Minister for Health, Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah received the donation
The Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah, has announced an ambitious government target to reduce maternal deaths by 20 per cent before the end of 2026, as authorities intensify efforts to improve maternal healthcare and save the lives of mothers and newborns across the country.
The announcement was made during her working visit to the Awutu Senya East Municipal Health Directorate under Phase Three of the Maternal Mortality Action and Response Programme (MMARP), a nationwide initiative designed to strengthen healthcare delivery and tackle preventable maternal deaths.
Dr Ayensu-Danquah expressed concern over the country’s maternal mortality figures, describing the issue as one of Ghana’s most pressing health challenges.
She noted that despite increased access to skilled delivery services, maternal mortality remains the only major health indicator moving in the wrong direction.
According to her, more than 950 women lost their lives from pregnancy and childbirth-related complications last year, highlighting the urgent need for stronger interventions at all levels of the healthcare system.
To reverse the trend, she said the government has rolled out a comprehensive action plan aimed at improving the early identification of pregnancy-related complications, strengthening referral systems, and equipping health facilities to respond more effectively to emergencies.
As part of her visit, the Deputy Minister toured the Kasoa Mother and Child Hospital, where she oversaw the presentation of critical medical equipment intended to improve maternal and neonatal care.
The items included a digital X-ray machine, an ultrasound scanner, delivery beds and other essential supplies.
She also revealed plans to deploy additional doctors, midwives and support staff to busy health facilities across the country to improve patient care and ease the workload on existing personnel.
At the Kasoa Polyclinic, Dr Ayensu-Danquah held discussions with frontline health workers, listening to concerns about operational challenges, including delays in referrals and difficulties in responding to maternal emergencies.
She stressed the importance of compassionate healthcare delivery and better staff welfare, encouraging health workers to share practical ideas and experiences that could help shape national policies and interventions.
The deputy minister said the government’s renewed focus on maternal health forms part of a broader commitment to ensuring that no woman loses her life while giving birth and that mothers and babies across Ghana have access to quality healthcare services.
By strengthening frontline facilities, improving emergency response systems and increasing healthcare staffing, she said the government hopes to significantly reduce preventable maternal deaths and improve health outcomes for families nationwide.
NA/VPO
