The Ashanti Regional Health Directorate has raised alarm over a sharp rise in maternal deaths, with 232 deaths per 100,000 live births recorded in the first half of 2025, up from 158 in 2024 and 144 in 2023.

The figure, disclosed at the 2025 Half-Year Performance Review of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) in Kumasi, far exceeds the national target of 125 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births.

Dr. Fred Adomako-Boateng, the Regional Health Director, said the situation was mainly due to uncoordinated referrals and limited capacity at peripheral health facilities.

To address the challenge, the Directorate, in collaboration with the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) and with support from United nations Children Fund (UNICEF), is rolling out a comprehensive plan to strengthen Primary Health Care (PHC), improve referral systems for timely management of maternal complications while building the capacity of frontline health facilities to handle emergencies.

The theme for the Half-Year Performance Review, “Strengthening Primary Health Care through Networks of Practice towards Universal Health Coverage: The Role of Stakeholders,” underscores the urgent need to reposition PHC as the backbone of healthcare delivery in the region.

Dr. Adomako-Boateng urged stakeholders, including local authorities and development partners, to support health facilities with accommodation, logistics, and equipment to curb the rising trend.

Despite the challenge, the review also highlighted successes, including a 0% under-five malaria fatality rate for three consecutive half-year periods.

“The health of mothers must be our collective priority,” the Regional Director stressed, calling for urgent action to reverse the trend.

Dr. Paa Kwasi Baidoo, Chief Executive Officer of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to working closely with the Ashanti Regional Health Directorate to improve healthcare delivery and address the rising maternal mortality in the region.

He said the review was not just about assessing metrics or financial statements but also a review of collective promise to safeguard the health of the citizenry for a stronger and healthier nation.

He emphasised that the statistics presented during the review reflected the collective performance of all health workers in the region and called for strengthened collaboration among stakeholders.

Dr. Baidoo assured the Regional Health Directorate of KATH’s continuous support in implementing strategic interventions aimed at improving maternal health outcomes and advancing quality healthcare delivery across the Ashanti Region.