Effiduase Government Hospital in Ghana's Ashanti Region has started constructing a new maternity ward to address pressing maternal health challenges. The region accounts for the highest share of maternal deaths nationally, with 24.6% of all maternal deaths in 2025. Although the region saw a 25% drop in institutional maternal mortality in the first half of 2026, it remains higher than the national target. Health authorities cite late referrals, overcrowded facilities, and limited capacity at peripheral hospitals as contributing factors.
The existing maternity unit at Effiduase Government Hospital faces inadequate space, limited delivery beds, and overcrowding, leading to delays in care, loss of privacy for mothers, and increased risk for both mother and newborn. The new ward aims to ease congestion, improve infection prevention, ensure safer and more dignified deliveries, and strengthen the hospital's ability to manage complications before referring patients to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.
The Member of Parliament for Effiduase-Asokore, Dr. Nana Ayew Afriye, has donated GH¢20,000 towards the construction of the new maternity ward. The donation was presented by executives of the Effiduase-Asokore Constituency of the New Patriotic Party, who commended Dr. Afriye for his continued investment in healthcare delivery. Strengthening peripheral facilities like Effiduase aligns with the Regional Health Directorate's strategy to build capacity at the district level and reduce avoidable referrals and deaths.
The project is part of broader efforts to improve maternal healthcare infrastructure in the Ashanti Region and accelerate progress towards reducing preventable maternal and neonatal deaths. The Ashanti Region continues to record high maternal deaths, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. The new maternity ward at Effiduase Government Hospital is expected to make a significant impact in addressing these challenges.
Health authorities attribute the high maternal mortality rates in the region to systemic pressures, including late referrals and limited capacity at peripheral hospitals. The new maternity ward at Effiduase Government Hospital is designed to address these challenges by providing a dedicated and well-equipped space for maternal care.
The construction of the new maternity ward has been welcomed by stakeholders, who see it as a critical step towards improving maternal healthcare in the region. The project is also seen as a demonstration of the government's commitment to addressing the high maternal mortality rates in the Ashanti Region.
The Effiduase Government Hospital's new maternity ward project forms part of a broader strategy to improve healthcare delivery in Ghana. The project is expected to have a positive impact on maternal health outcomes in the region and contribute to the national goal of reducing preventable maternal and neonatal deaths.
Key points
- The Ashanti Region accounts for 24.6% of all maternal deaths in Ghana.
- The new maternity ward aims to ease congestion and improve infection prevention.
- Dr. Nana Ayew Afriye donated GH¢20,000 towards the construction of the new maternity ward.
