The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Ghana (SOGOG) has held its 2026 Annual General and Scientific Meeting in Kumasi with a renewed call to end preventable maternal deaths in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.
The theme for this year’s meeting is: “Every Mother Counts: Ending Preventable Maternal Deaths in Ghana in Line with SDG Targets”. The meeting brought together health professionals from across Ghana and beyond.
The meeting featured robust scientific discussions, sharing of emerging evidence and strategies to accelerate Ghana’s progress towards achieving SDG Target 3.1 reducing maternal mortality to fewer than 70 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030.
Prof. Thomas O. Konney, President of SOGOG speaking at the opening ceremony, said the theme reflects a moral imperative and represents their collective conviction that no woman should lose her life while giving life. He noted that behind every maternal death is a mother, a daughter, a wife, a sister, and often the foundation upon which families and communities stand.
Prof. Konney stated that while Ghana has made commendable progress with increased access to skilled birth attendance and investment in the health system, the reality remains sobering.
He stated that far too many women continue to die from causes that are entirely preventable: haemorrhage, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, sepsis, unsafe abortions, anaemia, delays in accessing care, inadequate referral systems, and shortages of critical resources such as blood and emergency transport.
He stressed that every mother counts irrespective of age, socioeconomic status, educational background, or location, and that every woman in labour deserves timely, safe, respectful and high-quality care.
Prof. Konney mentioned five critical pillars SOGOG remains committed to as Excellence in clinical care, through training programmes, simulation exercises, skills development and clinical audits to equip providers to respond to obstetric emergencies.
He mentioned others as the Strengthening of maternal health workforce, by supporting the training of specialists, residents, midwives and allied health professionals, and advocating for equitable distribution, especially in underserved communities.
The SOGOG President expressed the view that Partnerships, collaborating with healthcare professionals, traditional leaders, religious institutions, community organisations and families is paramount.
He acknowledged the role of traditional leaders in addressing harmful cultural practices and promoting early healthcare-seeking behaviour and girl-child education. Prof. Konney urged members to use the meeting as an opportunity to renew commitment to women and families and not just as an academic exercise.
He encouraged the members to leave Kumasi inspired to strengthen maternal healthcare in every district, every facility, and every community, because every mother deserves dignity, quality care, the opportunity to survive pregnancy and childbirth and return home safely to her family
Dr. Frank Amoakohene, the Ashanti Regional Minister, lauded SOGOG for its efforts to save lives, especially expectant mothers.
He assured the association of government’s commitment to improving the general wellbeing of citizens and cited the Free Primary Healthcare initiative, which will also cover expensive-to-treat conditions such as cancer and kidney disease.
Dr. Amoakohene disclosed that the government was committed to completing uncompleted health infrastructure, including Agenda 111 projects adding that work was ongoing on the Twedie and Sewua Regional Hospital projects, as well as the Afari Military Hospital project.
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