By: Jennifer Nerkie Kenney
Economist and Chairman of the National Development Planning Committee, Dr. Nii Moi Thompson, has called for a multi-sector approach to tackling maternal mortality in Ghana, saying the problem cannot be solved by the health sector alone.
Speaking at the launch of the Presidential Initiative on Maternal Health Emergency Response (PRIMa) on Monday, September 14, 2026, Dr. Thompson said factors outside the health sector, including transportation, public financing, infrastructure, local government and household decision-making, can affect maternal health outcomes.
He said reducing maternal deaths therefore requires coordinated action across government and society.
“Maternal mortality cannot be reduced by the health sector alone,”he said.
Dr. Thompson also identified traditional and religious leaders as important partners in the fight against maternal deaths because of their influence within communities and households.
He said their involvement could help address stigma, misinformation and misconceptions surrounding pregnancy, maternal illness, family planning and adolescent pregnancy.
“Their voices can help confront the stigma, misinformation, and misconceptions that sometimes surround pregnancy, maternal illness, family planning, adolescent pregnancy, and the timely use of professional care,” he said.
The Chairman of the National Development Planning Committee further urged communities to recognize pregnancy-related danger signs early and act quickly, while health facilities must be prepared to provide effective care when women arrive.
He said accountability must also extend to families, communities, the private sector, civil society, the media, traditional authorities and religious leaders.
Dr. Thompson stressed that the success of PRIMa would depend on whether national commitments are translated into funding, implementation and measurable results.
He said protecting the lives of mothers should be treated as a shared national responsibility.
