Determinants of Maternal Mortality in Ghana

Maternal mortality is one of the most sensitive indicators of health disparity between richer and poorer nations and even within a country. Amongst developing countries sub Saharan Africa has the highest number of maternal and pregnancy related death. Several initiatives have been put in place to reduce maternal mortality in Ghana but maternal mortality rates have shown no significant improvements. The study sought to determine factors that influence maternal deaths in Ghana. Data for the study was from the Ghana Maternal Health Survey 2007. The study adopted McCarthy and Maine’s framework on the determinants of maternal mortality. Haemorrhage was found to be the highest single cause of maternal deaths older women as well as women in the Volta Region were found to be at risk of haemorrhage. It was also found out that utilisation of health facilities were high amongst women especially those who died from pregnancy related causes. The findings of the study point to the need for comprehensive strategies to further reduce maternal mortality in Ghana.