Ashanti Region's Maternal Mortality Figures Under Scrutiny Amid Referral Delays, Understaffing Concerns

Key Takeaways

• The Ashanti Region accounts for 24% of all maternal deaths in Ghana, ahead of the Greater Accra and Northern Regions.
• Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) has recorded approximately 62% of maternal deaths in the region, with 92% of these cases being referred from outside the region.
• Severe understaffing at peripheral and receiving facilities, leading to extreme workloads and uncoordinated referrals, are identified as key drivers of high maternal mortality figures in the Ashanti Region.

The Ashanti Region has come under scrutiny for its high maternal mortality figures, with new statistics revealing a concerning trend. According to available figures, the region accounts for almost a quarter of all national maternal deaths, surpassing the Greater Accra and Northern Regions. This has raised concerns among health authorities and experts, who are calling for targeted interventions to address the issue.

A deeper dive into the situation reveals a complex story of referral bottlenecks, peripheral staffing gaps, and structural delays. Statistics from the Ashanti Regional Health Directorate show maternal mortality ratios rose from 195.6 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2024 to 196.7 per 100,000 live births in 2025. Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), the only teaching hospital in the region, has been identified as having recorded approximately 62% of maternal deaths over the period.

Background & Context

The Ashanti Region's high maternal mortality figures are a cause for concern, given the region's population size and economic development. Ghana as a whole is far from achieving its Sustainable Development Goal 3 target of 70 deaths per 100,000 live births. The country's maternal mortality rate stands at 235 deaths per 100,000 live births, with the Ashanti Region contributing significantly to this figure.

Audit reports have highlighted the need for urgent attention to be paid to the referral system within the region. Women are often referred late for conditions with hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, representing 30%, previous cesarean sections, representing 19%, leading a pack of badly managed primary causes for emergency referrals to KATH in 2025.

Key Findings

Statistics from the Ashanti Regional Health Directorate show that 15% of maternal deaths within the region are from outside the region, while 85% are from within the region. Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital has recorded approximately 62% of maternal deaths over the period, with 92% of these cases being referred from outside the region. This has raised concerns about the referral system within the region, with many experts calling for targeted interventions to address the issue.

Audit reports have identified severe understaffing at peripheral and receiving facilities as a key driver of high maternal mortality figures in the Ashanti Region. This has led to extreme workloads and uncoordinated referrals, resulting in many women being referred late for emergency care.

Broad Implications

The Ashanti Region's high maternal mortality figures have significant implications for the country's overall health and development. Ghana's maternal mortality rate is one of the highest in West Africa, and the Ashanti Region's figures are contributing to this trend. Urgent attention needs to be paid to addressing the referral system within the region and ensuring that women receive timely and quality care.

The Ashanti Region's high maternal mortality figures also have economic implications. Maternal mortality is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among women of childbearing age, and it can have significant impacts on families and communities. The economic burden of maternal mortality is significant, with many families facing financial hardship due to the loss of a loved one.

Looking Ahead

Health authorities are calling for all hands on deck to address the high maternal mortality figures in the Ashanti Region. The Deputy Health Minister has emphasized the need for targeted referral reforms to reverse the trend. Experts are urging the government to prioritize investments in the referral system, including strengthening peripheral and receiving facilities, and ensuring that women receive timely and quality care.

The Ashanti Region's high maternal mortality figures are a wake-up call for the country to take action. Urgent attention needs to be paid to addressing the referral system within the region and ensuring that women receive timely and quality care. The economic and social implications of maternal mortality are significant, and the government must prioritize investments in the health sector to address this critical issue.