Ashanti Region Records Highest Maternal Deaths in 2025, Mostly Referral Cases - Deputy Health Minister

Deputy Minister of Health, *Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah*, has disclosed that the *Ashanti Region recorded the highest number of maternal deaths in 2025*.

Speaking during an engagement with health facility heads and stakeholders in the Ashanti Region as part of the *Maternal Mortality Action and Response Programme - MMARP*, Dr. Ayensu-Danquah said the Ministry is working with health authorities to identify gaps and reduce preventable maternal deaths.

According to her, research shows the top three regions for maternal deaths are Ashanti, Greater Accra, and the Northern Region. She however clarified that the high figures in Ashanti are largely due to the region serving as a major referral center.

“Kumasi, specifically Komfo Anokye, has become one of the highest referral centers in the country. We get referrals even from my constituency and the MP for Essikado-Ketan in the Western Region refers people to Komfo Anokye. So the deaths recorded here are not necessarily because it is an Ashanti regional problem,” she explained.

The Deputy Minister noted that most of the women who die arrive at referral facilities between 24 to 48 hours after complications have set in, making intervention difficult.

She said the Ministry, under MMARP, is engaging stakeholders to put in measures that will drastically reduce maternal mortality across the country.

The Ashanti Region continues to record one of the highest maternal mortality rates in Ghana, with referral delays identified as a major contributing factor.