The Ashanti Regional Health Directorate has expressed alarm over a sharp surge in maternal deaths, with figures already surpassing the national target of 125 deaths per 100,000 live births in just the first half of 2025.

Speaking at the 2025 Mid-Year Performance Review Meeting in Kumasi, Regional Health Director Dr. Fred Adomako-Boateng disclosed that 232 maternal deaths had been recorded between January and June this year.

This represents a steep rise compared to 144 deaths in 2023 and 158 deaths in 2024.

Dr. Adomako-Boateng attributed the disturbing trend to uncoordinated referral systems and the inadequate capacity of peripheral health facilities, which often fail to provide timely, effective care to expectant mothers.

He warned that unless urgent systemic reforms are implemented, the region risks missing the Primary Health Care (PHC) 2030 target of quality and universal maternal care.

“Without support from stakeholders—collectively embracing the gatekeeper system, supporting us with accommodation, security, equipment, and holding us accountable—this cannot be done,” he cautioned.

The director further called for the establishment of a functional gatekeeper system, stronger referral filters, and the resourcing of CHPS compounds and health centres to reduce preventable deaths.

Health experts and stakeholders have been urged to prioritise maternal health as a matter of urgency, to safeguard the lives of mothers and their babies across the Ashanti Region and beyond.