Story By: Felix Ernest Odamtten / Mohammed Faisal Mustapha
The Ga Traditional Area has pledged its support for the government’s Presidential Initiative on Maternal Health Emergency Response, aimed at reducing maternal and newborn deaths across the country.
The pledge was conveyed by Nii Adote Odaawulu, who spoke on behalf of His Royal Majesty the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, at the national launch of the initiative.
Nii Adote Odaawulu was joined at the programme by Nuumo Okassa Diaka II, Ga State Wulomo, among other prominent Ga chiefs representing the Ga Traditional Area.
Speaking at the event, Nii Adote Odaawulu commended President John Dramani Mahama and the government for recognising that protecting mothers and newborns was not only a health responsibility but also a matter of human dignity, family welfare and national development.
He said every mother was precious to her family and community, stressing that the loss of a mother due to delayed or unavailable emergency care could affect an entire generation.
Nii Adote Odaawulu said the Ga Traditional Area was ready to work with the government, health institutions and development partners to ensure the success of the initiative.
He called on traditional and religious leaders, families and communities to promote antenatal care, skilled delivery, emergency preparedness and timely referral of pregnant women requiring specialised medical attention.
He also urged men and families to take an active role in supporting pregnant women, emphasising that maternal health was a shared responsibility.
“The true measure of this initiative will not only be the facilities, ambulances or resources provided, but the number of mothers and babies whose lives are saved,” he said.
Nii Adote Odaawulu, on behalf of the Ga Mantse, congratulated the government and all stakeholders for the initiative and expressed the hope that it would contribute significantly to reducing preventable maternal and newborn deaths.
“May no mother lose her life because help came too late,” he said.
He concluded by offering prayers for the wellbeing of mothers and children and for the continued peace and development of the Ga State and the Republic of Ghana.