Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists Re-Echoes Research, Innovation to End Preventable Maternal Deaths in Ghana

The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Ghana (SOGOG) has called for urgent national action to end preventable maternal deaths as the country works toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of reducing maternal mortality by 2030.

Speaking at the Society’s 2026 Annual General and Scientific Meeting in Kumasi, SOGOG President, Professor Thomas O. Konney, stressed that research and innovation remain critical to reducing maternal deaths to the barest minimum.

He emphasized that solutions to maternal health challenges must be evidence-based. “Solutions must be informed by evidence. We encourage rigorous research that identifies gaps, evaluates interventions and generates context-specific solutions to the challenges facing maternal health in Ghana,” Prof. Konney said.

He pledged that the Society would continue promoting evidence-based practices that improve outcomes for mothers and newborns through training programmes, simulation exercises, skills development initiatives, and clinical audits to strengthen the capacity of healthcare professionals in responding effectively to obstetric emergencies.

Prof. Konney further noted that SOGOG remains committed to strengthening the country’s maternal health workforce, sustaining advocacy and policy engagement, and building strategic partnerships aimed at eliminating preventable maternal deaths.

The 2026 Annual General and Scientific Meeting was held under the theme: “Every Mother Counts: Ending Preventable Maternal Deaths in Ghana in Line with SDG 3 Targets.”

The conference provided a platform for scientific discussions, the exchange of innovative ideas, presentation of emerging evidence, and collaborative efforts to address persistent maternal health challenges.

Although Ghana has made significant progress through increased access to skilled birth attendance and greater investment in health services, Prof. Konney acknowledged that major obstacles remain.

He identified postpartum haemorrhage, hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, sepsis, unsafe abortions, anaemia, delays in seeking healthcare, weak referral systems, shortages of blood, and inadequate emergency transport as the leading causes of maternal deaths in the country.

He urged participants to renew their commitment to improving maternal healthcare and intensify national efforts to ensure that no woman dies from preventable pregnancy-related complications.

Ashanti Regional Minister and Chairman of the conference, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to achieving universal health coverage, describing it as a key strategy for reducing preventable maternal deaths.

According to him, maternal health is one of the strongest indicators of the overall performance of a country’s healthcare system and requires sustained commitment from government, health professionals, development partners, and communities.

He said government is prioritizing the removal of financial barriers that prevent women, particularly pregnant mothers, from accessing timely, quality healthcare.

On the sidelines of the conference, Dr. Charles Takyi, General Secretary of SOGOG, disclosed that the Society screened 120 women and performed 71 gynaecological surgeries during its annual outreach programme in Obuasi ahead of the conference as part of its corporate social responsibility initiatives.

The procedures included myomectomies, hysterectomies, and ovarian cyst removals. The outreach team also managed five emergency cases, including ectopic pregnancies. Dr. Takyi said the outreach programme reflects SOGOG’s commitment to expanding access to specialist healthcare services while supporting Ghana’s broader goal of achieving universal health coverage and ending preventable maternal deaths.

Source: GNA