Midwives in Ghana are calling for urgent government action to address critical workforce shortages and poor working conditions, warning that the country’s maternal health outcomes could worsen without immediate investment in the profession.
The appeal was made during the celebration of this year’s International Day of the Midwife in Tamale, where stakeholders highlighted the growing pressure on midwives across the country.
The event, organised with support from the United Nations Population Fund and other partners, was held under the global theme “One Million More Midwives” and Ghana’s national theme “More Midwives for Ghana: Invest, Train, Retain – Save a Mother, Save a Nation.”
President of the Ghana Registered Midwives Association, Mrs Netta Forson Ackon, said Ghana needs a long-term strategy that goes beyond simply increasing the number of midwives.
She stressed the need for equitable deployment, better working conditions, continuous training opportunities, career growth pathways, and measures to tackle burnout.
According to her, midwives remain central to maternal and newborn healthcare despite operating under difficult circumstances.
She revealed that Ghana recorded more than 900 maternal deaths in 2025, describing the figure as deeply concerning.
Speaking on behalf of United Nations Population Fund, Deputy Country Representative Dr Emmily Naphambo said Ghana’s maternal mortality ratio remains high at about 310 deaths per 100,000 live births.
She also disclosed that over 3,000 nurses and midwives leave Ghana each year in search of better opportunities abroad, creating serious staffing shortages.
Dr Naphambo noted that nearly 65 percent of Community-based Health Planning and Services zones are understaffed, particularly in rural communities.
“In some communities, one midwife is responsible for thousands of people,” she noted.
President of the National Association of Registered Midwives, Ghana, Ms Leticia Asaba Atia, also called for stronger leadership roles for trained midwives within the healthcare system.
She urged authorities to expand specialist training programmes and improve incentives for professionals serving in rural and underserved areas.
The event also recognised outstanding midwives for their contributions to maternal and newborn healthcare across the country.
