Ghana’s Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has told global health leaders that the country is making significant progress in maternal healthcare, while calling for stronger systems to save more mothers’ lives.
Speaking at a UNFPA event on the sidelines of the #WorldHealthSummit in Berlin, the Minister said Ghana’s investments under President John Mahama are expanding access to quality maternal services.
“Nearly nine out of ten women in Ghana now deliver in health facilities,” the Minister stated.
Mr. Akandoh added that NHIS active membership has risen to 70% as of August 2026, and that GH¢1.5 billion has been allocated to #FreePrimaryHealthcare this year to improve access to essential services for all Ghanaians.
A key pillar of the government’s agenda is the Presidential Initiative on Maternal Health Emergency Response — PRIMER, which targets a 20% annual reduction in maternal deaths.
Despite the gains, the Minister acknowledged that maternal mortality remains a serious concern.
To address this, government is:
Strengthening emergency referral systems to ensure timely care
Improving access to blood and essential medicines
Prioritizing facilities with the highest burden of maternal deaths for targeted interventions
He emphasized that Ghana’s approach combines expanded insurance coverage, free primary care, and emergency response to ensure that no woman dies while giving life.
The World Health Summit brings together global health leaders, policymakers and development partners to shape priorities for health systems worldwide.
