Efforts Intensify as Western Region Records Majority of Ghana’s Mpox Cases
Western Region Reactivates Mpox Response Team Amid Surge in Maternal Deaths
The Western Regional Health Directorate has reactivated its Public Health Emergency Response Team in a proactive move to address the alarming surge in Mpox cases across the region. At the same time, the directorate has raised serious concerns over a rise in maternal deaths, urging stakeholders to take immediate action to improve healthcare delivery.
Between January and May 2025, the region recorded 25 maternal deaths, surpassing figures for the same period in 2024. The spike in deaths has been attributed to delayed antenatal care, inefficient referral systems, and poor road infrastructure, which continues to hinder emergency health services, especially in rural communities.
Chief Pharmacist at the Western Regional Health Directorate, Mr. Kwadwo Okyere Apenteng, made these revelations during the Western Region Development Retreat. He noted that the region is currently grappling with 187 suspected and 43 confirmed Mpox cases, accounting for a staggering 71% of Ghana’s total 107 cases.
“We’ve identified 187 Mpox cases and traced 246 contacts, all of whom are under close monitoring to contain the spread,” Apenteng stated. He added that nine out of the 14 districts in the region have recorded Mpox cases, with Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality emerging as the hardest-hit area.
In response, the directorate has intensified active surveillance, public education, and contact tracing activities. The reactivation of the emergency response team is part of a broader strategy to curb the spread of the disease and prevent a potential public health crisis.
Addressing the region’s maternal health crisis, Apenteng emphasized the need for urgent investment in both infrastructure and personnel. “Between January and May alone, we recorded 25 maternal deaths. This is a concerning increase compared to last year. The key drivers are late hospital visits, delayed referrals from smaller facilities, and inaccessible roads, especially in rural parts of the region,” he noted.
The issue of inadequate health infrastructure was also addressed by Western Regional Minister, Hon. Joseph Nelson, who called on the Western Regional House of Chiefs to lend their voices in advocating for better health systems, particularly the completion of renovation works at Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital.
“The ongoing renovations at Effia Nkwanta Hospital have stalled, and this delay is affecting service delivery. We need to collectively push for the completion of this critical healthcare project to improve outcomes for our people,” Minister Nelson appealed.
He further emphasized the need for collaborative efforts among traditional leaders, government officials, and development partners to ensure that the region’s health facilities meet the growing demands of the population.
As Mpox cases rise and maternal mortality becomes a growing concern, the Western Regional Health Directorate is urging community cooperation, timely healthcare-seeking behavior, and government commitment to infrastructure upgrades. Strengthening the region’s health system remains a top priority to safeguard lives and promote long-term health resilience.
