First Lady, Mrs Lordina Mahama has emphasised the need for improved maternal healthcare delivery, stating that no woman should die while giving life.

She made this call at the commissioning of a maternity and children’s ward at Asukawkaw community in the Krachi East Municipality of the Oti Region.

The facility established was in response to appeal from President of Akroso Traditional Council, Nana Odam Gyamfi, is designed to enhance healthcare access for women and children.

First Lady, Lordina Mahama said the ward is fully equipped with advanced medical technology and essential amenities, ready to serve the community.

She said through the Lordina Foundation, she has funded maternity and children’s wards in Nkoranza of the Bono East Region, Bole of Savannah Region, Bodom maternity and children’s ward and Asukkawkaw of the Oti Region.

Mrs Lordina Mahama stated that the newly built Asukkawkaw maternity and children’s ward will bring dignity to every mother, child and family in this community.

“Maternal health is not just a woman’s issue, it is a national issue, when a mother receives quality healthcare, her child is more likely to survive, her family is more secure, and her community is stronger,” she added.

Mr Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Health Minister praised the initiative as a boost to the government’s quality focused free primary healthcare efforts.

He explained that the facility aligned with the ministry’s goal of removing financial barriers and making essential services available at the first point of care.

Addressing chiefs, stakeholders and community members of Asukawkaw enclave, the minister emphasised the importance of public-private partnerships in supporting infrastructure, equipment maintenance and service innovation while ensuring quality and accountability.

Mr Akandoh also highlighted the government’s efforts to advance healthcare through the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, which protects citizens from catastrophic healthcare costs associated with non-communicable diseases and other high burden conditions.

He said that free primary healthcare and initiative such as Lordina Foundation, are crucial in prioritizing prevention and early detection, ensuring that cost is not a barrier to healthcare access.

The Asukkawkaw facility is expected to significantly improve healthcare services for pregnant woman and newborns in the area, bringing dignity and hope to families.