Ghana faces a critical shortage of midwives. The Ghana Registered Midwives Association (GRMA) marked International Day of the Midwife by calling for significant investment in training and keeping midwives in the country. They aim to improve care for mothers and babies.
The call comes as Ghana recorded over 900 maternal deaths in 2025. The national theme for the day, “More Midwives for Ghana: Invest, Train, Retain – Save a Mother, Save a Nation”, underscores the urgency. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) supports the GRMA’s efforts. They aim to address the challenges facing midwives.
Ghana's maternal mortality ratio is about 310 deaths per 100,000 live births. This is according to the UNFPA. Over 3,000 nurses and midwives leave Ghana each year. They seek opportunities elsewhere. This brain drain creates serious gaps in healthcare. About 65 per cent of Community-based Health Planning and Services zones lack enough midwives. This is especially true in rural areas.
Mrs. Netta Forson Ackon, President of GRMA, stated that simply increasing the number of midwives is not enough. She called for a national strategy. This strategy must ensure fair distribution of midwives. It needs to improve working conditions. Access to ongoing training is also vital. Clear career paths and burnout prevention measures are essential.
Dr. Emmily Naphambo, UNFPA Deputy Country Representative, noted the high death rate. She highlighted that in some areas, one midwife cares for thousands of people. The absence of a midwife can disrupt essential care. UNFPA is supporting Ghana's midwifery sector. They work on education, regulation, and digital health solutions.
Ms. Leticia Asaba Atia, President of the National Association of Registered Midwives, Ghana, asked for more leadership roles for midwives. She expressed concern that other health professionals often lead midwifery services. She believes trained midwives should hold these positions. Expanding specialised training and improving conditions for rural midwives are also key demands.
The shortage of skilled midwives impacts Ghana’s ability to achieve its health goals. It also affects the nation's economic potential. A healthy population is crucial for productivity. The lack of adequate maternal care can lead to long-term health issues for mothers and children. This can result in increased healthcare costs for families and the government.
The situation requires immediate attention from policymakers. Investing in the midwifery profession is an investment in the future of Ghana. It ensures safer births and healthier communities. The call for action highlights a systemic issue within Ghana’s health sector. Addressing it needs a coordinated approach from government and international partners.
The implications of inaction are significant. Continued high maternal mortality rates undermine public health efforts. The ongoing migration of skilled health workers depletes the nation’s capacity. Future efforts must focus on creating an environment where midwives feel valued and supported. This includes fair pay, professional growth, and safe working conditions.
Resources must be allocated to training more midwives. Retention strategies must be implemented. This includes offering incentives for working in underserved areas. The goal is to ensure every mother and newborn receives the quality care they deserve.