Nankese, Eastern Region — Deputy Minister for Health, Hon. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, has concluded a two-day assessment tour of the Eastern Region under the Maternal Mortality Action and Response Programme (MMARP) with community engagements aimed at strengthening local participation in efforts to reduce maternal deaths.

The tour ended with visits to the communities of Jato and Nankese, where the Deputy Minister met traditional authorities, local leaders and residents to discuss the critical role communities play in improving maternal health outcomes.

At Jato, Hon. Ayensu-Danquah held discussions with the Chief, community leaders and residents, emphasizing the importance of supporting pregnant women and encouraging early access to quality antenatal and maternal healthcare services. She stressed that timely healthcare interventions and community support are essential to preventing avoidable maternal deaths.

The Deputy Minister later participated in a community durbar in Nankese hosted by Berimah Annoh Marfo II, where she called for greater community ownership of maternal health initiatives. She urged residents to work closely with health professionals to ensure pregnant women receive the care they need throughout pregnancy and childbirth.

Responding to concerns raised by management of the Nankese Health Centre, Hon. Ayensu-Danquah assured the community that requests for essential medical equipment and other logistical support would be taken into consideration as the government continues to strengthen primary healthcare delivery under the MMARP initiative.

The two-day assessment formed part of the Ministry of Health’s ongoing efforts to evaluate the implementation of the Maternal Mortality Action and Response Programme across the country. The initiative seeks to improve maternal healthcare services, enhance emergency obstetric care, and reduce preventable maternal deaths through strengthened health systems and active community participation.

Source: Ministry of Health, Ghana (Facebook)

by

Obed Yaw Agyei