UNFPA SUPPORTS GHANA WITH GHS 42 MILLION IN MIDWIFERY TRAINING EQUIPMENT AND FAMILY PLANNING COMMODITIES
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has strengthened its collaboration with the Ministry of Health with a major health-sector investment comprising more than GHS 42 million in midwifery training equipment and family planning commodities.
The package, announced at a handover ceremony in Accra, is one of this year’s largest contributions to Ghana’s maternal, newborn, and reproductive health system. Officials from both institutions underscored the need to expand access to skilled, reliable, and high-quality care for women and newborns across all regions.
Presenting the equipment to the Ministry of Health, UNFPA Country Representative, Dr. David Wilfred Ochan, described the donation as a tangible investment in the health workforce and a critical contribution to reducing preventable maternal and newborn deaths.
“Midwives play a critical role across the country, and training institutions must be equipped with modern tools that prepare students for real clinical practice. The midwifery equipment provided under the Midwifery Education and Practice Centres of Excellence Programme is a direct investment in the hands that welcome life into the world. A well-prepared and well-supported midwife can deliver nearly 90 percent of essential maternal and newborn services, and we want to ensure they have the tools and confidence to do so.” He said.
On the provision of family planning commodities, Dr. Ochan highlighted the scale and impact of UNFPA’s annual support. “These commodities help prevent unsafe abortions, reduce maternal deaths, and ease pressure on the health system. While we continue to support the national supply chain, sustained financing remains essential, especially following the exit of USAID from contraceptive procurement. He concluded.
Receiving the donation on behalf of the Ministry, Deputy Minister Dr. Grace Danquah, expressed appreciation for UNFPA’s consistent support and its alignment with the country’s reproductive health priorities. She noted that the commodities and equipment would strengthen midwifery training, improve service delivery, and ensure that women and families across the country continue to access reliable family planning services. She emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to effective distribution through existing national systems and to promoting high-quality training in the selected midwifery institutions.
“This support comes at a crucial time as we work to improve the standards of midwifery training across the country. These tools will strengthen our students' practical competencies and help deliver better care for mothers and babies. We value UNFPA’s consistent partnership in maternal and newborn health, and we remain committed to ensuring these resources are used responsibly and effectively.” She stated.
The family planning commodities are expected to avert an estimated 270 maternal deaths and more than 64,000 unsafe abortions. This impact could save the health system up to GHS 152 million in costs that would otherwise be spent managing complications from unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortions. The commodities will be distributed nationwide through the government’s supply chain, while the midwifery equipment will strengthen competency-based training at the Korle Bu Nursing and Midwifery Training College and the School of Nursing and Midwifery at KNUST.
UNFPA continues its commitment to working with the Government of Ghana to promote safe childbirth, reduce maternal deaths, and expand access to reproductive health services for women, adolescents, and young people across the country.
