Ghana's maternal death crisis: why doctors aren't using the knowledge they have

Ghana's healthcare system faces a troubling paradox: medical professionals have the knowledge, drugs and facilities to prevent maternal and neonatal deaths, yet mothers and newborns continue to die from preventable causes. Dr Elikem Oklu, an obstetrician-gynaecologist, has highlighted this critical disconnect, arguing that the gap between medical knowledge and clinical practice remains one of the most significant barriers to saving lives in Ghana's health sector.

Speaking at an annual health conference held at the Korle Bu Nursing and Midwifery Training College, Dr Oklu raised a pointed question that cuts to the heart of Ghana's maternal health crisis: "Why are women still dying in the midst of all this knowledge? It's because for most of us, we do not make a connection between what we know and what we do."

His comments arrive as Ghana continues to battle alarming maternal mortality figures. According to the Ministry of Health, Ghana's maternal mortality ratio stands at approximately 234 deaths per 100,000 live births, whilst institutional maternal deaths reached 965 in 2025. These numbers represent not just statistics but preventable tragedies affecting families across the country.

The knowledge-practice gap

Dr Oklu's central argument focuses on a systemic problem: health professionals often fail to consistently apply their training, particularly in emergency situations where swift, decisive action can mean the difference between life and death. This gap is not about a shortage of qualified personnel or outdated equipment, but rather about translating expertise into reliable, day-to-day clinical practice.

The doctor emphasised that improving maternal and neonatal outcomes requires more than technical competence. He highlighted the crucial role of attitude and institutional culture, pointing out that empathy and clear communication can profoundly impact patient outcomes—even when medical treatment does not result in recovery. Effective ward communication, timely referrals and renewed professional commitment are not optional extras but essential components of quality care.

These concerns align with long-standing criticisms of Ghana's healthcare system, where stories of poor patient treatment and communication failures occasionally surface in public discourse. The conference underscores that fixing these problems requires systemic change, not just individual effort.

Accountability and legal responsibility

Complementing Dr Oklu's observations, Rachel Haizel, a University of Ghana School of Law lecturer, raised concerns about insufficient legal accountability for medical negligence. She argued that healthcare professionals and facilities in Ghana are not sued often enough for alleged negligence, which could weaken professional accountability and allow poor conduct to persist without consequences.

Haizel stressed that medical practitioners owe patients a legal and ethical duty of care and must exercise the reasonable care and skill expected of their profession. She suggested that stronger litigation in cases of alleged malpractice could incentivise higher standards across Ghana's health facilities.

Why it matters for Ghana

Maternal and neonatal mortality directly affects Ghana's development and social fabric. Every preventable death represents a lost mother, a grieving family and often a newborn who will grow up without maternal care. For a country seeking to improve its Human Development Index and achieve sustainable development goals, reducing maternal mortality is essential.

The issues raised at this conference—the disconnect between knowledge and practice, cultural and attitudinal barriers, and weak accountability mechanisms—are solvable problems. They require investment in professional development, stronger institutional protocols, improved communication training and, as Ms Haizel suggests, clearer consequences for negligence. Ghana's healthcare system has the foundation; what is needed now is the will to bridge the gap between knowing what to do and actually doing it.