Bolgatanga: The Upper East Region has recorded an increase in maternal deaths from 42 in 2024 to 56 between January and October 2025. 'In absolute numbers, we reported 42 maternal deaths in 2024, which increased significantly to 56 deaths by end of October 2025,' Dr. Braimah Baba Abubakari, the Regional Director of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) disclosed.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Abubakari spoke at the matriculation ceremony and launch of the 75th Anniversary of the Midwifery Training College in Bolgatanga. He noted that the stillbirth rate increased slightly from 9.9 percent in 2024 to 10.17 percent in October 2025. The anniversary launch was on the theme: '75 years of excellence in midwifery education; Sustaining Maternal and Child Health Care.'
Dr. Abubakari highlighted that Ante-Natal Care (ANC) coverage, which was 74.28 percent in 2024, had reduced to 72.68 percent as of the end of October 2025. Additionally, skilled deliveries decreased from 73.06 percent in 2024 to 67.66 percent within the same period this year. He added that the survival rates of preterm babies ranged between 78 percent and 85 percent, and the family planning acceptor rate had also reduced from 35 percent in 2024 to 28.4 percent in 2025.
The Regional Director indicated that neonatal mortality continued to account for a large proportion of under-five deaths in the Region. He expressed concern about the persistent human resource gaps, especially in rural and hard-to-reach areas where midwives were most needed. Emerging health threats such as teenage pregnancies, non-communicable diseases, and the impact of climate change on health demanded new skills and approaches.
Dr. Abubakari emphasized the importance of sustaining excellence in midwifery practice. He called for continuous professional development for midwives and the need for them to be equipped with modern skills and knowledge. He stressed that infrastructure and technology, including simulation laboratories, digital learning platforms, and telemedicine, were critical for excellence.
Dr. Abubakari advocated for research and innovation as midwifery practice evolved with changing health needs. He highlighted the need for partnerships between government, academia, and communities to strengthen maternal and child health systems.