Ashanti region records 25% drop in maternal mortality in first half of 2026

In the first half of 2026, the Ashanti region experienced a significant 25% reduction in maternal mortality, with the mortality rate dropping from 199.5 to 148.7 deaths per 100,000 live births. This improvement in health outcomes was primarily attributed to targeted clinical interventions and the expansion of care at peripheral health facilities.

Dr Fred Adomako-Boateng, the Regional Director of Health Services, made the announcement during the region's mid-year health performance review. The latest figure, while still above the national target of 125 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, marks a notable decrease from the 158 maternal deaths per 100,000 recorded in mid-2024.

The reduction is partly linked to the expansion of peripheral health facilities' capacity to manage complicated pregnancies and deliveries. Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, the region's major referral facility, saw a decrease in its share of maternal deaths, falling from 62% in 2025 to 54% in 2026, as peripheral facilities handled a larger proportion of cases.

This shift is the result of efforts to strengthen lower-level facilities' capacity to manage high-risk cases and reduce unnecessary referrals. Recent interventions include clinical mentorship involving specialists from Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) and frontline health workers at peripheral facilities, as well as the introduction of a virtual labor ward to connect these workers with specialists during complex deliveries.

The majority of maternal deaths in the region, 88.2%, originated within Ashanti, while 8.8% were from outside the region. The Regional Health Director attributed these gains to support from partners, including UNICEF, and stressed the need to sustain this progress by further building the capacity of healthcare professionals.