October 7, 2025 In Case Stories By WACSI
One Woman Champions Efforts to Rescue Women from Maternal Mortality in Ghana
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In Ghana, maternal mortality remains a critical public health challenge. The World Bank estimates that the maternal mortality ratio was 234 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2023, a modest improvement from previous years. Yet these figures unmask stark disparities between urban and rural areas, where access to quality maternal healthcare is limited.
In rural communities like Abaam, in the Kwaebibirem Municipality of the Eastern Region of Ghana, the situation is acute. Abaam is situated approximately 126km north of Accra, Capital of the country.
Prior to June 2025, the local health centre, which serves a population of over 7,800 in Abaam, lacked a dedicated maternity ward. Expectant mothers often had to travel 16 to 30 kilometres on rough, neglected roads to reach the nearest hospital, causing painful delays that put both mothers’ and infants’ lives in danger.
Abaam Community Health Centre
Local media had repeatedly reported the severity of the situation. They highlighted the need to rehabilitate and refurbish existing maternal wards whose structures have deteriorated and equip them to be able to deliver the much-needed quality health care at the community level.
“The small space in our health facility often leads to referrals to Kade Hospital,” said Richard Harrison Atiobi, Physician Assistant at Abaam Health Centre. It is important to note that Kade is about 16 kilometres away from the Abaam community.
“Our roads are also in poor condition. Just yesterday, a woman from Asuom, a neighbouring community, delivered on her way to our health centre. Unfortunately, we could not attend to her because the facility was full,” he added.
Group picture at the building site. Dr Harrison in a navy blue shirt.
The Turning Point
Recognising the urgency, Ophilia Kyewaa Ampaw, Assemblywoman for the Abaam Community, together with the Network for Community Development and Advocacy Ghana (NETCODA-GHANA), began mobilising the community to take action.
For years, families had felt powerless. They knew what was needed — a proper maternity ward but lacked organisational experience, transparent financial systems, and resource mobilisation skills.
It was through a Social Accountability training organised by the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) in May 2024 that Ampaw and local leaders acquired the tools to plan effectively, rally residents, and engage stakeholders.
“When we met as a community, we realised that if we wanted change, we had to make it ourselves,” said Ampaw.
“The maternity ward topped the list of our priorities”, she added.
Ophelia during the coaching visit
Using the skills gained from WACSI, Ampaw created a committee that included chiefs, youth groups, women, religious leaders, and households. Together, they mapped out a clear plan to construct the maternity ward and mobilise local resources.
Fundraising began with the Abaam Homecoming event in May 2025, where traditional dances, drama performances, and public appeals raised GHS 100,000 (approximately USD 10,000). In June 2025, a second round of fundraising, supported by 380 household contributions of GHS 10 each, totalling GHS 3800, donation of land from the chief of Abaam, and materials from traditional authorities, and voluntary labour from community members, raised an additional GHS 180,000.
A breakdown of the GHC 180,000 raised to support the project. Of this, GHC 48,950 came from contributions earmarked for labour, while GHC 31,200 was raised for cement. An additional GHC 12,200 was secured for frames for doors and windows, and GHC 7,432 for other building materials. To support electrical works, GHC 23,800 was raised, alongside GHC 1,300 for water needs. Contributions toward plumbing materials amounted to GHC 32,600, while GHC 17,300 was set aside for sand for plastering. Funds for transportation stood at GHC 1,200, and a further GHC 4,018 was savings in the bank from the first round of fundraising.
Within a year and 6 months (17 months), nine rooms and seven washrooms had been built, forming the core of the new maternity ward.
The newly constructed maternity block
“I am so happy about the building of this new maternity block,” said Richard Harrison Atiobi, Physician Assistant at Abaam Health Centre.
“It will allow us to cater to more women and provide quality care, which will reduce maternal and infant deaths,” he added.
The project was not without challenges. Material shortages slowed construction, and some chiefs were initially reluctant to attend accountability meetings. Ampaw emphasised the importance of transparency.
“Some people thought I did not need to give an account since they could see the work being done,” she said. “But after WACSI’s training, I knew accountability was non-negotiable. We explained how every cedi of the first funds was spent, and we will continue doing the same for the next tranche.”
Today, the maternity ward stands as a symbol of community agency and solidarity. Women in Abaam would no longer risk their lives travelling long distances to give birth, and healthcare workers can provide safe, dignified care.
The initiative has also inspired neighbouring communities.
Isaac Kofi Amoako, the Presiding Member of the Kwaebibirem Municipal Assembly—a position that serves as chairperson of the local council and represents community voices in decision-making—expressed interest in replicating Abaam’s approach, as the Abaam community forms part of the municipality.
Discussions with Assemblymembers and NETCODA team during the coaching visit
“We want to learn how to mobilise our own communities and achieve the kind of impact we’ve seen in Abaam,” Amoako said.
Beyond the maternity ward, NETCODA has facilitated community engagement sessions on health, education, and disability rights, strengthening local governance and participation.
Daniel Nana Appiah, Executive Director of NETCODA, said: “We brought WACSI’s training to Abaam so residents could take charge of their priorities. This is what real community-led development looks like.”
Mr Appiah (left) during discussions at the coaching visit
The Abaam maternity ward demonstrates the transformative power of collective action. It shows that with organisation, transparency and mobilisation, rural communities can tackle any urgent public health challenges.
The success was made possible through the support of the Wilde Ganzen Foundation under the Change the Game Academy, which has empowered fourty-one Ghanaian grassroots civil society organisations to mobilise resources, lead development initiatives, and hold leaders accountable.
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