Akosua Manu has called for a national emergency response to Ghana’s maternal mortality crisis. She urged Parliament to institute a bipartisan inquiry into the deaths of women during pregnancy and childbirth. This call follows rising concerns over maternal mortality in the country.
The Advisor on Gender and Social Protection to NPP Flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia highlighted the severity of the issue. According to the Ghana Health Service, 965 women died from pregnancy-related complications in 2025 alone. This significant number underscores the urgent need for coordinated action from government and other stakeholders. Manu emphasized that the continued loss of women requires immediate national attention.
This crisis fits into a broader national discussion about healthcare infrastructure and public health outcomes. Ghana has made strides in various health indicators, but maternal mortality remains a persistent challenge. The call for a parliamentary inquiry reflects a growing demand for accountability and systemic improvements in the health sector. Previous reports on health system deficiencies have often highlighted issues like resource allocation and facility readiness.
Akosua Manu stated, “We do not take maternal mortality seriously enough.” She added that the tragedy of women dying during childbirth brings devastating consequences to families and communities. Manu stressed the need to understand why women are still dying during pregnancy and immediately after. She specifically mentioned examining emergency obstetric care, blood availability, and referral systems.
The implications of this call are significant for public health policy and resource allocation. A parliamentary inquiry could lead to concrete recommendations and timelines for implementation. Decision-makers will need to address systemic issues within the health sector, including staffing and response times. Improved maternal healthcare can save lives and prevent immense grief for Ghanaian families. This situation also highlights the need for sustained political commitment to health outcomes. The focus on accountability for results will be crucial for any proposed solutions. Ghana has the capacity to improve these outcomes, ensuring childbirth becomes a moment of joy. This requires decisive action and robust health systems.