Obstetrician-gynaecologist Dr Elikem Oklu has expressed concerns about the persistent loss of mothers and newborns to preventable causes in Ghana. He notes that despite the availability of medical expertise, drugs, and health facilities, maternal and neonatal deaths continue to occur. Dr Oklu made these comments at an annual health conference at the Korle Bu Nursing and Midwifery Training College, where he emphasized the need for health professionals to apply their training consistently, particularly in emergency situations.
Dr Oklu highlighted the importance of attitude and institutional culture in healthcare, noting that empathy and communication can make a difference even when treatment does not result in a positive outcome. He urged health workers to communicate openly on the wards, make appropriate referrals, and renew their commitment to professional duty. According to the Ministry of Health, Ghana's maternal mortality ratio stands at approximately 234 deaths per 100,000 live births, while institutional maternal deaths stood at 965 in 2025.
University of Ghana School of Law lecturer Rachel Haizel has argued that medical facilities and health professionals are not sued often enough over alleged medical negligence. She believes that limited litigation could weaken accountability for poor professional conduct in some health facilities. Ms Haizel stressed that healthcare professionals owe patients a duty of care and must exercise reasonable care and skill in line with the standards expected of their profession.
The concerns raised at the conference place renewed attention on clinical practice, patient safety, and accountability as Ghana works to reduce preventable maternal and neonatal deaths. Dr Oklu's comments come as Ghana continues to grapple with maternal mortality and concerns about the quality of care provided to pregnant women and nursing mothers. The annual health conference at the Korle Bu Nursing and Midwifery Training College provides a platform for healthcare professionals to discuss critical issues affecting the sector.
Improving outcomes requires health professionals to apply their training consistently, particularly when responding to emergencies. Dr Oklu emphasized that health workers must make a connection between what they know and what they do to prevent maternal and neonatal deaths. The Ministry of Health has reported that Ghana's maternal mortality ratio remains a challenge, with 234 deaths per 100,000 live births.
Rachel Haizel's comments on medical negligence and accountability have sparked renewed debate on the need for greater oversight in the healthcare sector. She argued that if healthcare professionals are not held accountable for their actions, it can lead to poor professional conduct. The discussion on medical negligence and accountability is critical in ensuring that healthcare professionals provide quality care to patients.
The Ghanaian healthcare system faces significant challenges in reducing preventable maternal and neonatal deaths. Health professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders must work together to address these challenges and ensure that healthcare services are delivered to the highest standards. By translating medical knowledge into practice and prioritizing patient safety and accountability, Ghana can make progress in reducing maternal and neonatal deaths.
Key points
- Health professionals must apply their training consistently to prevent maternal and neonatal deaths.
- Limited litigation could weaken accountability for poor professional conduct in some health facilities.
- Empathy and communication can make a difference in patient care even when treatment does not result in a positive outcome.
