Ghana recorded 965 maternal deaths in 2025, marking a significant increase in the country's maternal mortality rate. Consultant forensic pathologist Professor Paul Ossei-Sampene identified hypertension-related conditions and acute asthma as primary factors contributing to these fatalities. This alarming figure underscores a critical public health challenge facing Ghana.
Professor Ossei-Sampene stated that hypertension-related conditions alone accounted for approximately 40.7% of maternal deaths, according to a 2025 study. These conditions impact vital organs such as the kidneys and heart, leading to severe complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Acute asthmatic conditions also play a substantial role in the rising mortality figures.
The increase in maternal deaths fits into a broader narrative of public health struggles in Ghana, despite ongoing efforts to improve healthcare access and quality. High maternal mortality rates strain the healthcare system and reflect underlying socio-economic and educational disparities. Addressing this issue is crucial for achieving national health goals and improving overall societal well-being.
Speaking on the JoyNews Desk on August 10, Professor Ossei-Sampene explained that the reasons for maternal deaths are numerous. He highlighted that a lack of education among women, leading to reliance on harmful customs and traditions, exacerbates the problem. Misconceptions about childbirth and changes to the female body also influence decisions regarding delivery methods.
Professor Ossei-Sampene raised concerns about women opting for caesarean sections without medical indication, driven by fears about vaginal childbirth. He noted that some women believe natural birth could lead to a loss of elasticity, prompting them to seek alternative delivery methods. Men sometimes contribute to these perceptions, questioning natural childbirth due to perceived physical changes.
However, caesarean sections carry their own risks, including complications like thrombosis and embolism. These complications can develop post-procedure, potentially leading to sudden collapse and death, even after the mother has been discharged. Professor Ossei-Sampene stressed the importance of considering these factors when investigating maternal deaths.
The Deputy Minister of Health has reportedly taken up the challenge to address these issues. This intervention is critical for implementing effective strategies to reduce maternal mortality. Such strategies must include comprehensive education campaigns, improved access to quality antenatal care, and strict adherence to medical guidelines for delivery procedures.
Future efforts will likely focus on educating women and communities about safe childbirth practices and the risks associated with unindicated medical procedures. Monitoring the implementation of these strategies and their impact on maternal death rates will be essential. Decision-makers and healthcare providers must work collaboratively to reverse this worrying trend and safeguard the lives of mothers in Ghana.