Evans Annang

The incident happened late in the evening of Thursday, August 15, 2024, between Star Junction and Agric Junction in the Kwadaso Municipality of the Ashanti region, according to eyewitnesses,

Eyewitnesses say they saw the woman being pushed out of the taxi, which raised an alarm. The unknown persons, however, drove off immediately after some residents started to shout.

They narrated that the woman passed away a few minutes after they arrived at the scene and tried to help. The police were informed of the incident and they have thus conveyed the body to the morgue.

The family of the deceased has been identified, and the police have launched an investigation into the incident.

Relatedly, a teenager was buried by his siblings in <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.com.gh/news/filla/2-brothers-bury-16-year-old-sibling-alive-over-missing-phone-in-kaduna/ecgr8xt">Kaduna in northern Nigeria</a> over a missing phone on Monday, August 12.

<h3>The tragic incident occurred in the Zaria area of Kaduna State, where Abubakar was allegedly buried by his two older siblings over a missing phone.</h3>

The brothers, aged 22 and 18, had reportedly argued about the missing phone while they were in Abuja.

Fueled by anger, they followed Abubakar back to Zaria, where they&nbsp;buried him alive&nbsp;as a form of punishment.

The boy was discovered in the early hours of Monday, August 12, 2024, when a good Samaritan noticed his head protruding from a hole in an abandoned property.

A woman, believed to be in her forties has died after she was allegedly pushed out of a taxi by some unknown persons.

Woman dies after being thrown out of a moving taxi in Kumasi

Some individuals stand accused of masterminding major fraudulent schemes that have shaken the foundations of various sectors in the country.

These alleged scams have not only resulted in substantial financial losses but have also raised serious concerns about the integrity of institutions and the effectiveness of regulatory frameworks.

We, at Pulse Ghana, have chronicled four such scams that got Ghanaians talking:

Chef Smith: On 2 July 2024, Ghanaian Chef Ebenezer Smith, popularly known as Chef Smith, claimed that the Guinness World Records had awarded him a certificate for setting a new record for the longest cooking marathon by an individual.

Chef Smith announced his achievement at a press conference at the La Palm Beach Hotel in Accra. He had started his cook-a-thon on 1 February 2024, cooking for 820 hours and ending his marathon on 6 March 2024, though he initially targeted 1,200 hours.

However, doubts surfaced about the legitimacy of his claim, prompting an investigation by Guinness World Records.

In an official response to an email sent by GHOne TV, Guinness World Records stated: “No, this is not true at all. He does not hold the GWR title and that is not our certificate. The current and true record holder is: The longest cooking marathon (individual) is 119 hr 57 min 16 sec and was achieved by Alan Fisher (Ireland) in Matsue, Shimane, Japan, from 28 September to 3 October 2023.”

This revelation led to disappointment and disbelief among Chef Smith's supporters and the wider culinary community in Ghana.

Nana Appiah Mensah, aka NAM1: NAM1 is facing trial in Ghana for various charges bordering on fraud after investors in his defunct gold dealership company, Menzgold, lost their investments.

On 14 January 2018, Dubai authorities <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.com.gh/news/local/state-slaps-nam1-with-new-charges-withdraws-old-case/9e983kb">arrested NAM1</a> in connection with a gold deal that went bad. His arrest followed a Ghanaian court’s warrant after his company, Menzgold, failed to reimburse clients for their money.

“His arrest in Dubai is to facilitate investigations into suspicions that he had been involved in a gold trading deal gone bad within the Emirati jurisdiction,” Assistant Commissioner of Police, David Eklu, who is now a DCOP, told the media at the time.

The CEO of the defunct Menzgold Ghana Limited was granted bail on 19 September 2023 to the tune of GH¢500 million with four sureties, none to be justified, after he was dragged to court for allegedly defrauding his clients.

Recently, NAM1 disclosed that Menzgold had paid 5,000 of its customers. The company initially requested all necessary documentation from customers to facilitate the payment validation procedure.

However, in a subsequent communication, the company clarified that a significant number of submitted claims contained inconsistencies, rendering 60 percent of the claims ineligible for settlement.

Dr. UN: One Ghanaian man who addresses himself as H.E. Dr. Kwame Owusu Fordjour organised the “2020 Global Leadership Service to Humanity Awards” held at Alisa Hotel in Accra.

The event saw famed Ghanaians, including rapper <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.com.gh/entertainment/celebrities/d-black-says-the-un-award-was-incredibly-stupid-and-he-cant-believe-he-fell-for-that/mzgqgw7">Sarkodie</a>, being given awards supposedly affiliated with the United Nations and spearheaded by former Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

More than 20 influential Ghanaians, including a Member of Parliament, a University Vice-Chancellor, and many media personalities, have been awarded at various ceremonies under Fordjour’s United Nations Blueprint Mission.

He claimed that the mission was “spearheaded and instituted by Former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan as the finest Global Performing Honour or Achievement Belt of defined Service to Humanity that has Divine Cord of Global Governance, in building Nations through Peace and Prosperity, Democracy, Law and Order etc.”

According to a researcher and journalist, Abdul-Karim Ibrahim, who started making allegations of the award’s fakeness, his conviction was based on Mr Fordjour’s incoherent statements when he appeared on Wontumi TV in June 2020 to present the said award to the owner of the media house, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, alias Chairman Wontumi, who is the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP).

He said while he was shocked that the UN would award Chairman Wontumi, Fordjour’s comments gave impetus to suspicions that the award was dubious. “There was also the other issue of communication; horrible grammar, the citation was incoherent, the storyline that the winner was only 5 of 200 people selected across the world by a UN panel among others. Generally, Fordjour’s demeanour too. He didn’t cut the regular figure of someone at such high levels in diplomatic circles. This may seem a bit classist but it’s a poignant fact nonetheless,” he told Dubawa.

“I looked into his official website (UN blueprint missions) and found out the UN had no such mission. I also found out that he’d been arrested in the past over attempts to defraud,” Ibrahim added.

Indeed, a September 2010 Ghanaian Times newspaper report indicated the said arrest of Fordjour over an attempt to defraud rural and community banks.

Fauster Atta Mensah: Fauster Atta Mensah claimed in 2014 that he had won a Nobel Prize for his supposed excellence in the sciences.

This won him immediate praise and admiration. He was subsequently invited to GTV for an interview.

However, his incoherence during the interview gave him away as a fraud as the host, Abdul Hayi Moomen, asked probing questions on some of his claims.

Mr Atta Mensah also claimed to be working with the Foreign Affairs Ministry, where he asserted he had Directors under his care.

In recent times, Ghana has been rocked by a series of high-profile <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.com.gh/entertainment/celebrities/guinness-world-records-says-ghanas-chef-smith-does-not-hold-the-gwr-title/e6nb6wr">scams</a> that have captured the nation's attention.

Here are 4 individuals accused of major scams in Ghana

The MPs, including Emmanuel Gyamfi, Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, Thomas Ampem, Sylvester Tetteh, and Mohammed Tuferu, were in Kenya for a study visit.

Hundreds of anti-Finance Bill protestors stormed the Parliament, setting police vehicles on fire and breaking through heavy security.

The chaos erupted after MPs approved the Finance Bill 2024, which introduces new taxes. The Ghanaian delegation was escorted to safety, having inhaled some tear gas.

In an interview with Starr FM, the Member of Parliament for Odododiodoo, Nii Lante Vanderpuye said “We are safe in Nairobi. We were lucky to escape unhurt today. We, however, inhaled a bit of teargas. We had to be escorted to a bunker and later to a safer place”.

The protests in Nairobi are part of a larger nationwide demonstration against the Finance Bill 2024, which has sparked outrage across the country.

<a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.com.gh/news/filla/chaos-at-assemblies-of-god-church-as-members-protest-induction-of-new-pastor/lr8wx8t">Demonstrators</a> have been assembling in various counties to show their discontent with the proposed tax increases, which many believe will further burden the already struggling populace.

Kenyans protesting tax propasals in the Finance Bill 2024

In the capital, the situation quickly escalated as police forces moved in to disperse the crowds.

Just as in previous protests, tear gas was deployed extensively, causing chaos and panic among the demonstrators.

Additionally, reports have emerged that police fired rubber bullets to disperse young protesters, adding to the tension and violence on the streets.

The protests come on the heels of a night marked by multiple arrests and abductions. Several prominent social media users and content creators were reportedly captured in overnight operations aimed at defusing the planned demonstrations.

Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye and Sylvester Tetteh

<a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.com.gh/news/politics/the-2024-election-will-be-a-cool-chop-for-bawumia-npps-accra-regional-chairman/k6h5nft">Five Ghanaian lawmakers</a> and a clerk were caught in turmoil as protestors besieged the Kenyan Parliament on Tuesday afternoon.

5 Ghanaian MPs narrowly escape attack in Kenya as protesters break into Parliament

Its formation was driven by the need to address common challenges and to ensure a stronger and more cohesive political and economic bloc.

Here is a detailed look at the history and evolution of the African Union.

Origins: The Organization of African Unity (OAU)

The precursor to the African Union was the Organization of African Unity (OAU), established on May 25, 1963, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The OAU was founded by 32 African states with the primary objectives of eradicating colonialism and promoting unity and cooperation among African nations. Key founding figures included Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana, Haile Selassie of Ethiopia, and Jomo Kenyatta of Kenya.

The OAU's mission was defined by three main goals:

To promote the unity and solidarity of African states.

To coordinate and intensify cooperation for development.

To safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of member states.

Despite these ambitions, the OAU faced criticism for its inability to effectively intervene in conflicts and for its policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of member states.

Transition to the African Union

The need for a more effective and dynamic organization led to the transformation of the OAU into the African Union. This change was initiated during the 4th Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the OAU in Sirte, Libya, in 1999, where the Sirte Declaration called for the establishment of the African Union.

<a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.com.gh/news/local/rawlings-deceived-us-with-nkrumah-to-support-june-4th-uprising-akata-pore/yxdc0d6" title="From OAU to AU: A journey through Africa's political unity">The Constitutive Act of the African Union</a> was adopted on July 11, 2000, at the Lomé Summit in Togo. The AU was officially launched on July 9, 2002, in Durban, South Africa, replacing the OAU.

Objectives and Structure

The African Union aims to achieve greater unity and solidarity between African countries and peoples. Its objectives include:

Accelerating political and socio-economic integration of the continent.

Promoting and defending African common positions on issues of interest to the continent and its peoples.

Encouraging international cooperation.

Promoting peace, security, and stability on the continent.

Promoting democratic principles and institutions, popular participation, and good governance.

The AU's structure includes key organs such as:

<a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.com.gh/news/local/dont-think-ghanaians-are-gentle-archbishop-duncan-williams-warns-politicians/7vvf2ms" title="From OAU to AU: A journey through Africa's political unity">The Assembly of the Union:</a> Comprising heads of state and government, it is the supreme decision-making body.

The Executive Council: Comprising ministers or authorities designated by the governments of member states, it coordinates and takes decisions on policies in areas of common interest.

The Commission: The AU’s secretariat, responsible for the day-to-day management and administration.

The Pan-African Parliament: Established to ensure the full participation of African peoples in the development and economic integration of the continent.

The Peace and Security Council: Established to ensure peace and security across Africa.

Various specialized technical committees and financial institutions.

Key Achievements and Challenges

Since its inception, the African Union has made significant strides in various areas:

The establishment of the <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.com.gh/entertainment/celebrities/dumsormuststop-demo-police-withdraw-injunction-against-yvonne-nelson-others/86ydpr5" title="From OAU to AU: A journey through Africa's political unity">African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)</a> to create a single continental market for goods and services.

Initiatives to promote peace and security, including interventions in conflict zones such as Darfur, Somalia, and the Sahel region.

Efforts to improve governance through the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM).

Launching Agenda 2063, a strategic framework for the socio-economic transformation of the continent over the next 50 years.

However, the AU continues to face challenges such as limited financial resources, political instability in member states, and the need for stronger enforcement mechanisms for its policies and decisions.

<a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.com.gh/business/the-cedi-will-stabilise-after-completion-of-debt-exchange-finance-minister/xmsprv4" title="From OAU to AU: A journey through Africa's political unity">The African Union (AU)</a> is a continental organization comprising 55 member states, established to promote unity and solidarity among African countries, to spur economic development, and to promote international cooperation.

From OAU to AU: A journey through Africa's political unity

He promised on Monday to govern with humility and transparency.

In his first speech to reporters after he gained majority of the votes in last Sunday elections, the political neophyte expressed his gratitude to the Senegalese people.

Faye is set to be declared the next president after his main rival called him to concede defeat, thanked President Macky Sall and other candidates for respecting Senegal's democratic tradition by recognising his victory well before official results.

"In electing me, the Senegalese people have decided on a break with a past," Faye told journalists in his first public appearance since the election. "I promise to govern with humility and transparency."

Provisional results showed Faye with about 53.7% and Amadou Ba - from the current ruling coalition - with 36.2% based on tallies from 90% of polling stations in the first-round vote, the electoral commission said.

Ba and Sall both congratulated Faye, who turned 44 on Monday. They hailed the outcome as a win for Senegal, whose reputation as one of West Africa's most stable democracies took a hit when Sall postponed the vote.

"The Senegalese people have reinforced the good health of our democracy.. I wish him (Faye) success at the head of our country," Ba said.

A peaceful transition of power in Senegal would mark a boost for democracy in West Africa, where there have been eight military coups since 2020.

Bassirou Diomaye Faye, the incoming President of Senegal. [France 24]

Bassirou Diomaye Faye, the President-elect of Senegal has promised to lead the country with modesty.

I’ll govern Senegal with humility – 44-year old President-elect Bassirou Faye vows

As of 2024, the continent is home to several presidents who have not only served long terms but are also among the oldest state leaders globally.

Here's a closer look at some of the oldest presidents in Africa, their countries, and their ages:

Paul Biya of Cameroon: At the top of the list is President Paul Biya, who, at 90 years old, has been in power since November 1982, making him not just the oldest but also one of the longest-serving presidents in Africa​

Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea: President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, at 81 years old, has been the country's leader since August 1979, holding the record as the world's longest-serving president​

Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa&nbsp;- Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, the President of Zimbabwe, has a significant profile shaped by his long-standing involvement in the country's political landscape. Born on September 15, 1942, in Shabani (now Zvishavane), Zimbabwe, Mnangagwa has been a central figure in Zimbabwean politics for decades, especially known for his close association with Robert Mugabe, the country's long-serving leader before Mnangagwa succeeded him.

Alassane Ouattara of Ivory Coast: At 81 years old, President Alassane Ouattara has been at the helm of Ivory Coast since 2010, contributing significantly to the country's post-conflict recovery and economic growth​.

Yoweri Museveni of Uganda: President Yoweri Museveni, also 79 years old, has been leading Uganda since 1986. His presidency has been marked by both achievements in stability and controversies regarding governance and human rights​.

Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of Ghana: President Nana Akufo-Addo, aged 79, has been in office since 2017. His leadership focuses on tackling corruption and enhancing Ghana’s dwindling economic fortunes.

Abdelmadjid Tebboune of Algeria: At 76 years old, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has led Algeria since December 2019. His presidency follows a period of protests and political upheaval, with a focus on reform and stability​.

Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti: President Ismail Omar Guelleh, also 76 years old, has been Djibouti's leader since 1999. His long tenure has seen Djibouti's strategic role in the Horn of Africa and its relations with international partners strengthen​.

Nana Addo of Ghana, Yoweri Museveni of Uganda and Paul Biya of Cameroon (1)

Africa, known for its diverse cultures and histories, also stands out for having some of the world's most experienced leaders.

Here are the 8 oldest Presidents in Africa

According to a report by Accra based Citi FM, the bill was finally passed by lawmakers after the various consideration stages have been exhausted.

The passage of the Bill by Parliament comes a day after the Board Chair of the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), Professor Audrey Gadzekpo, called on President Akufo-Addo to reject the Bill.

Prof. Gadzekpo argued that the bill undermines fundamental human rights protected by the Constitution, including the rights to dignity, freedom of speech and association, procession participation, academic freedom, equality, and non-discrimination.

Speaking at a press conference focused on human rights and a rights-based approach to supporting sexual minorities in Ghana, Prof. Gadzekpo emphasized that upholding rights and freedoms is crucial to constitutional democracy.

She warned that altering these rights could jeopardize Ghana’s democratic principles, highlighting the significance of the issue for all citizens.

Addressing concerns about media freedom, CDD pointed out that the bill would punish journalists and social media users for reporting on LGBTQI+ issues, infringing upon freedom of expression. They also criticized the bill for violating Article 108 of the 1992 Constitution, which prohibits private members' bills that impose a charge on the public purse.

The&nbsp;"Big 18"&nbsp;and Human Rights Coalition urged Parliament to reject the Anti-LGBTQI Bill, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rights of all citizens. They warned that passing the bill would not only contravene domestic and international human rights standards but also undermine the role of the media in society.

The bill proscribes LGBT activities and criminalizes its promotion, advocacy and funding.

Persons caught in the act would be subjected to a 6-month to 3 year jail term with promoters and sponsors of the act bearing a 3 to 5&nbsp;year&nbsp;jail&nbsp;term.

The Parliament of Ghana has passed the Promotion of Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, popularly known as the anti-LGBTQ bill into law.

Parliament passes the anti-LGBTQI bill

These moments of near triumph are equally part of the fabric of the team's rich history, showcasing both their consistent competitiveness and the fine margins that often define football at the highest level.

Here's a look at the four times Nigeria went to the AFCON final and came away as runners-up:

1. 1984 AFCON Final - Côte d'Ivoire

Opponent: Cameroon

Result: Nigeria 1-3 Cameroon

Summary: The 1984 final in Côte d'Ivoire saw Nigeria facing off against Cameroon. The Super Eagles were outmatched by the Indomitable Lions, who claimed their first AFCON title. Despite Nigeria's efforts, Cameroon's strength and experience prevailed, marking the beginning of a rivalry that would define African football for decades.

2. 1988 AFCON Final - Morocco

Result: Nigeria 0-1 Cameroon

Summary: Nigeria encountered Cameroon again in the 1988 AFCON final in Morocco. The match was a tightly contested affair, decided by a single goal that saw Cameroon retain their title. This final further intensified the rivalry between the two nations, with Nigeria again falling just short of the championship.

Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali [Twitter:Oganlamedia]

3. 1990 AFCON Final - Algeria

Opponent: Algeria

Result: Nigeria 0-1 Algeria

Summary: The 1990 final took place in Algeria, with the host nation taking on Nigeria. Playing in front of a passionate home crowd, Algeria managed to secure a 1-0 victory over the Super Eagles. The narrow defeat was a bitter pill for Nigeria, who had once again come close to the continental crown only to fall at the final hurdle.

4. 2000 AFCON Final - Ghana/Nigeria

Result: Nigeria 2-2 Cameroon (2-4 on penalties)

Summary: In 2000, Nigeria, co-hosting the tournament with Ghana, reached the final where they faced Cameroon for the third time in an AFCON final. The match ended 2-2 after extra time, leading to a penalty shootout. Nigeria's dreams of winning on home soil were dashed as Cameroon emerged victorious in the shootout, claiming their third AFCON title. This loss was particularly painful for Nigeria, given the high expectations and the dramatic nature of the defeat.

<ol><li>2023 AFCON Final - Cote D'Ivoire</li></ol>

Opponent: Cote D'Ivoire

Result: Nigeria 1-2 Cote D'Ivoire

Summary: Nigeria faced host nation Cote D'Ivoire in the final of the 2023 AFCON tournament in Abidjan. The Super Eagles took the lead in the first half through their captain William Troos Ekong. The Ivorians equalized through Franck Kessie in the second half and got the winner through Sebastien Haller in the dying minutes of the game.

Nigeria's national football team, the Super Eagles, has a storied history in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), characterized by moments of triumph as well as heartbreak. While they have clinched the title on three occasions, they have also experienced the agony of defeat in the final four times.

Super Eagles: 5 times Nigeria went to the AFCON final and failed to win

The type of cancer has not been revealed - it is not prostate cancer, but was discovered during his recent treatment for an enlarged prostate.

The King began "regular treatments" on Monday and will postpone public duties during it, the Palace said.

The British Royal Family has always been a subject of global fascination. Their lives, steeped in tradition and public duty, often intersect with moments of personal triumph and tragedy, capturing the world's attention.

Here are ten significant happenings within the Royal Family that took over world news:

1. The Queen's Diamond Jubilee (2012)

Celebrating 60 years of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, the Diamond Jubilee was a testament to her enduring presence and the respect she commands worldwide. The event was marked by widespread celebrations across the Commonwealth, reflecting her impact on a global scale.

2. The Marriage of Prince William and Catherine Middleton (2011)

The fairytale wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton was a global spectacle, drawing millions of viewers worldwide. It signified a new era for the British monarchy, introducing a modern royal couple to the world.

Buckingham Palace announced King Charles III has cancer. ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images

3. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Wedding (2018)

The union of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle broke several royal conventions, symbolizing a more inclusive and diverse monarchy. Their wedding was celebrated around the globe and marked by its modern approach to royal traditions.

4. The Birth of Prince George (2013)

The birth of Prince George, the future heir to the British throne, was a moment of national celebration. It marked the continuation of the Windsor lineage and was a joyous occasion for royal enthusiasts everywhere.

5. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Stepping Back (2020)

In a move that shocked the world, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry announced their decision to step back from royal duties. This decision sparked global conversations about media pressure, mental health, and the role of the monarchy in modern society.

6. The Death of Prince Philip (2021)

Prince Philip's passing marked the end of an era. His life, dedicated to public service and supporting the Queen, was commemorated worldwide, reflecting on his contributions to the UK and the Commonwealth.

King Charles and Prince William at a coronation rehearsal.Chris Jackson/Buckingham Palace via Getty Images/Handout via REUTERS

7. Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee (2022)

Queen Elizabeth II became the first British monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years on the throne. This historic milestone highlighted her unparalleled role in British history and her influence on the world stage.

8. Interviews and Public Statements

Revealing interviews and public statements by royal family members have often made headlines, offering insight into the personal lives and challenges they face. Notably, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's interview with Oprah Winfrey unveiled struggles within the royal family, sparking worldwide discussion.

9. Charitable Works and Global Initiatives

The Royal Family's involvement in charitable works and global initiatives has had a significant impact, from environmental conservation efforts to mental health advocacy. These activities have highlighted their commitment to public service and global betterment.

10. Changes in the Line of Succession

Adjustments and updates to the line of succession, such as the birth of new heirs or changes in royal protocols, continually intrigue and captivate those following the monarchy, signaling shifts within the traditional structures of the Royal Family.

Members of the royal family at Buckingham Palace on July 10, 2018.Anwar Hussein/WireImage

The Buckingham Palace, on February 5, announced that King Charles has been diagnosed with a cancer.

10 happenings inside the Royal Family that took over world news

Kojo Emmanuel

Andreas Kamasah

In August this year, during a press conference organised by the Ministry of Information, the Director General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, expressed optimism about the rate of maternal mortality further reducing. According to him, the institutional rate of maternal mortality decreased by 66, from 875 deaths in 2018 to 809 deaths in 2022.

He went further to disclose that there has been a notable decline in the death rate over the last five years, from 1.42 per 100,000 to 0.45 per 100,000, suggesting a significant decrease in the rate.

"Our institutional maternal mortality has dropped from 875 deaths in 2018 to about 809 in 2022. And this for mortality looks like a very significant relation but for the maternal mortality, that’s quite significant, especially when your deliveries have moved from about 9000 to increase over the years by about 13%, and we still are able to maintain a significant reduction in deaths," the Chronicle Newspaper quoted Kuma-Aboagye as saying.

However, despite the positive downward trend of maternal mortality, more deliberate efforts, investment, and political will are needed to alleviate the problem to the barest minimum.

<h3>What is maternal mortality?</h3>

The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines maternal mortality as deaths from any cause related to or aggravated by pregnancy or its management (excluding accidental or incidental causes) during pregnancy and childbirth or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy, irrespective of the duration and site of the pregnancy.

There is also late maternal death, which is “the death of a woman from direct or indirect obstetric causes, more than 42 days but less than one year after termination of pregnancy.” Like maternal deaths, late maternal deaths also include both direct and indirect maternal/obstetric deaths.

<h3>Causes of maternal mortality in Ghana</h3>

It has been established that inadequacy of trained birth attendants, limited access to healthcare, bleeding, infection, unsafe abortions, socioeconomic situations, and hypertensive problems are among the major causes of maternal mortality in Ghana.

A five-year Retrospective Study conducted by a team of renowned doctors—E. M. Der, C. Moyer, R. K. Gyasi, A. B. Akosa, Y. Tettey, P. K. Akakpo, A. Blankson, and J. T. Anim—and published in the Ghana Medical Journal (GMJ) in December 2013 discovered various factors responsible for high maternal mortality in Ghana.

The doctors used autopsy results to assess maternal mortality causes in Southern Ghana. Pregnancy-related deaths were examined in the autopsy logbooks of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital Mortuary's Department of Pathology from 2004 to 2008. SPSS statistical software was used to examine the data once they were added to a database.

“Of 5,247 deaths among women aged 15–49, 12.1% (634) were pregnancy-related. Eighty-one percent of pregnancy-related deaths (517) occurred in the community or within 24 hours of admission to a health facility, and 18.5% (117) occurred in a health facility. Out of 634 pregnancy-related deaths, 79.5% (504) resulted from direct obstetric causes, including: hemorrhage (21.8%), abortion (20.8%), hypertensive disorders (19.4%), ectopic gestation (8.7%), uterine rupture (4.3%), and genital tract sepsis (2.5%).

"The remaining 20.5% (130) resulted from indirect obstetric causes, including: infections outside the genital tract (9.2%), anemia (2.8%), sickle cell disease (2.7%), pulmonary embolism (1.9%), and disseminated intravascular coagulation (1.3%). The top five causes of maternal death were: hemorrhage (21.8%), abortion (20.7%), hypertensive disorders (19.4%), infections (9.1%), and ectopic gestation (8.7%),” the study found.

The team of doctors recommended that “community-based studies, on maternal mortality,” were “urgently needed in Ghana since our autopsy studies indicate that 81% of deaths recorded in this study occurred in the community or within 24 hours of admission to a health facility.”

<h3>Geographical dynamics</h3>

Mostly, the majority of maternal mortality cases occur in rural and hard-to-reach communities where access to healthcare facilities and education on antenatal dos and don’ts during pregnancy are low or completely non-existent in some cases.

Mrs Eunice Tanowah Appiah Boame, Senior Midwifery Officer who doubles as the Incharge of the Antenatal Unit of the Manna Mission Hospital in Accra

Mrs. Eunice Tanowah Appiah Boame, Senior Midwifery Officer who doubles as the Incharge of the Antenatal Unit of the Manna Mission Hospital in Accra

Mrs Eunice Tanowah Appiah Boame, Senior Midwifery Officer who doubles as the Incharge of the Antenatal Unit of the Manna Mission Hospital in Accra, told Andreas Kamasah in an interview that where a pregnant woman is located in Ghana may partly determine whether she will have a safe delivery or not.

“Some of the health centres in the hinterlands, their roads are bad. Sometimes, we see it in the media space. A pregnant woman is being carried in a wheelbarrow. Some people sit on a motto just to assess a health facility in a higher hospital.

"Maybe she's in hospital A, which is a health centre or a cheap compound and now has to be moved to hospital B, which is a referral point. Because they are in the hinterland, access to road and ambulance services are not available,” she lamented.

She, however, added that some pregnant women voluntarily or due to financial and other constraints fail to visit the hospital for antenatal care, which poses a danger to their lives and those of their unborn babies.

“They rather go to those people who are not professionals or who are not skilled to deliver. And such people may not be able to determine when complications are coming, and you can lose your life through that.

Despite the positive downward trend of maternal mortality, more deliberate efforts, investment, and political will are needed to alleviate the problem to the barest minimum.

Evans Annang

Articles written by the author

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From OAU to AU: A journey through Africa's political unity

I’ll govern Senegal with humility – 44-year old President-elect Bassirou Faye vows

Here are the 8 oldest Presidents in Africa

Parliament passes the anti-LGBTQI bill

Super Eagles: 5 times Nigeria went to the AFCON final and failed to win

10 happenings inside the Royal Family that took over world news

Maternal mortality in Ghana: The sad reality of how women lose their lives in childbirth

It’s going to be difficult but Black Stars can qualify from group – Stephen Appiah

We’re on red alert for a possible terrorist attack on Ghana - National Security Minister

Nigerians attack Ghanaian supporters after World Cup elimination – Video

First batch of Ghanaians evacuated from Ukraine arrive in Ghana

Ghana’s World Cup Qualifier against Nigeria moved from Cape Coast due to Independence celebrations – NSA

I won’t resign; my main mission is to qualify Ghana to the World Cup – Rajevac