Tema, April 22, – The Tema Metropolis recorded 12 maternal deaths in 2025, with health authorities attributing the cases largely to preventable medical and systemic challenges, according to the Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) Unit of the Tema Metropolitan Health Directorate.
Data presented at the Directorate’s annual health performance review showed that the Tema General Hospital recorded eight of the deaths, while Sinel Hospital and Tema New Crystal Clinic recorded two cases each.
Health officials said the deaths were mainly linked to hypertensive disorders, severe bleeding (haemorrhage), pulmonary thromboembolism, acute chest syndrome, and other pregnancy-related complications.
Maternal death audits pointed to a combination of delays in receiving timely medical intervention, shortage of specialist personnel, transport and communication barriers, and logistical constraints as key contributing factors.
The Directorate has therefore called for stronger emergency response systems, improved staffing levels, and continuous training for health workers to help reduce avoidable maternal deaths in the metropolis.
The review also highlighted mixed trends in antenatal care (ANC) utilisation. Coverage declined from 94.42 per cent in 2023 to 78.67 per cent in 2024, before recording a marginal rise to 81.73 per cent in 2025.
While attendance at the fourth and eighth ANC visits remained relatively stable, health officials raised concerns that late registration and inconsistent follow-up could undermine maternal and neonatal health outcomes.
The report further revealed that adolescents accounted for about five per cent of ANC registrants, a situation officials described as requiring targeted reproductive health interventions for younger age groups.
The health directorate said it was stepping up community education and outreach activities to encourage early ANC registration and ensure continuous care throughout pregnancy.
GHBUSS
22 April 2026
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