Ghana Moves To Cut Maternal Deaths by 20% Annually

Ghana has launched the Presidential Initiative on Maternal Health Emergency Response (PRIMER) to reduce maternal deaths and improve emergency care for women before, during and after childbirth.

The five-year initiative was launched by Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama under the theme “No Woman Should Die While Giving Life.”

The Vice President said Ghana’s maternal mortality rate remained above the Sustainable Development Goal target of fewer than 70 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030.

Deputy Minister for Health Prof. Grace Ayensu-Danquah disclosed that Ghana’s current maternal mortality ratio is about 234 deaths per 100,000 live births, with 965 institutional maternal deaths recorded in 2025.

She said major challenges include late identification of high-risk pregnancies, delays in referrals, inadequate critical-care equipment and limited access to blood.

The Ministry has incorporated its Maternal Mortality Action and Response Programme (MMARP) into PRIMER to strengthen primary healthcare, referral systems and emergency response.

The initiative aims to reduce maternal mortality by 20 percent annually over the next three years, with support from government institutions, health professionals, traditional and religious leaders, communities and other stakeholders.

By Agnes Kusi