Maternal mortality rates in the Ashanti Region have hit a critical point, with the region accounting for almost a quarter of all national maternal deaths. According to statistics from the Ashanti Regional Health Directorate, 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.
Referral Bottlenecks and Staffing Gaps
A deeper analysis of the situation reveals that referral bottlenecks, peripheral staffing gaps, and structural delays are major contributing factors to the high maternal mortality figures in the region. Dr Fred Adomako-Boateng, the Ashanti Regional Health Director, pointed out that 15% of maternal deaths in the region were referred from outside the region, while 85% were from within the region.
Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital at the Center of the Crisis
Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, the only teaching hospital in the region, has been identified as having recorded approximately 62% of maternal deaths over the period. However, Dr Adomako-Boateng revealed that 92% of women who died at KATH were referred from outside the region. He emphasized that the high number of deaths at KATH creates a perception that the hospital is the source of these deaths, when in fact, most of the deaths occurring at KATH are from outside the region.
Understaffing and Poor Referral Coordination
Audits conducted on maternal mortality cases across health facilities revealed that women are often referred late for conditions with hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, representing 30%, and previous cesarean sections, representing 19%. Dr Adomako-Boateng identified severe understaffing at peripheral and receiving facilities, leading to extreme workloads and uncoordinated referrals as some of the driving forces behind high maternal mortality figures in the Ashanti Region.
Call to Action for Health Authorities
Deputy Health Minister, Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah, has called for all hands on deck to address the high maternal mortality figures. Health authorities hope that targeted referral reforms will reverse the trend. However, it remains to be seen whether these efforts will be enough to tackle the complex issues surrounding maternal mortality in the Ashanti Region.
The high maternal mortality rates in the Ashanti Region are a pressing concern that requires immediate attention. With the region accounting for almost a quarter of all national maternal deaths, it is clear that something needs to be done to address the referral bottlenecks, staffing gaps, and structural delays that are contributing to these tragic losses. The call to action from health authorities is a step in the right direction, but it remains to be seen whether these efforts will be enough to make a significant impact.
Source: Joy Online
