The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Ghana (SOGOG) has reaffirmed its commitment to ending preventable maternal deaths by 2030, unveiling the “Kumasi Declaration” as a roadmap to achieve the target.
The declaration was announced at the opening of SOGOG’s 2026 Annual General and Scientific Meeting held in Kumasi, where experts called for stronger collaboration among government, healthcare professionals, traditional leaders, religious organisations, development partners and communities to improve maternal healthcare.
Maternal mortality remains a major public health concern in Ghana, with the country recording an estimated 300 deaths per 100,000 live births, significantly above the World Health Organization’s target of 70 deaths per 100,000 live births.
Recent data from the Ashanti Regional Health Directorate also showed a worrying rise in maternal deaths, with 232 fatalities recorded in the first half of 2025.
Delivering the welcome address, President of SOGOG, Prof. Thomas Okpoti Konney, said although Ghana had made progress through expanded antenatal care, increased skilled birth attendance and investments in maternal health programmes, many women continued to die from preventable complications.
He identified postpartum haemorrhage, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, infections, unsafe abortions and complications during labour and delivery as some of the leading causes of maternal deaths in the country.
“The statistics before us are not just numbers. Behind every maternal death is a grieving family, a devastated community and a lost future,” Prof. Konney stated.
He stressed that every maternal death represented a failure of the healthcare system and called for urgent action to reverse the trend.
Prof. Konney, who is also a consultant Gynaecological Oncologist at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) and lecturer at KNUST School of Medical Sciences, said Ghana must intensify efforts to meet the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of reducing maternal deaths to fewer than 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030.
“Our collective responsibility is clear. Every mother deserves dignity, quality care, and the chance to survive pregnancy and childbirth. I therefore announce the Kumasi Declaration, our roadmap to achieve zero maternal mortality by 2030,” he said.
As part of the declaration, SOGOG outlined five strategic commitments, including promoting excellence in clinical care through continuous professional development, strengthening the maternal health workforce, supporting research and innovation, advocating policies that improve maternal healthcare services and expanding partnerships with stakeholders.
Prof. Konney also urged communities to discourage harmful cultural practices that expose pregnant women to avoidable health risks.
He commended the Ministry of Health, the Ghana Health Service and other stakeholders for their contributions to improving maternal healthcare delivery, while praising frontline health workers for their dedication and sacrifices.
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, also reaffirmed government’s commitment to reducing maternal mortality and improving healthcare access.
He disclosed that about 35 of the Agenda 111 hospitals were ready for commissioning, including facilities in Oforikrom and Atwima Trede.
Dr. Amoakohene also highlighted initiatives such as the Free Primary Healthcare Programme and Mahama Cares as interventions aimed at expanding access and promoting preventive healthcare.
The four-day conference, held at the Miklin Hotel from July 30 to August 2, was themed: “Every Mother Counts: Ending Preventable Maternal Deaths in Ghana in Line with SDG 3 Targets.”
The meeting brought together obstetricians, gynaecologists, medical specialists, researchers, policymakers, development partners, academics and healthcare professionals to discuss practical strategies for strengthening maternal and reproductive healthcare.
Participants examined issues including emergency obstetric care, maternal nutrition, reproductive health policies, family planning, newborn care, pregnancy complications and the role of emerging technologies in healthcare delivery.
As part of its social responsibility activities, SOGOG provided free gynaecological surgeries for about 71 beneficiaries in Obuasi, treating conditions including fibroids, ovarian cysts, genital prolapse and genital masses.
Church leaders urge steadfastness, accountability at Apemso Methodist Nazareth Society’s 10th…
