The Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly has drawn urgent attention to the city’s health sector challenges, revealing alarming statistics on doctor shortages and maternal mortality, even as it celebrates significant strides in tuberculosis control.
Speaking at the First Ordinary Meeting of the Second Session of the Ninth Assembly, Sekondi-Takoradi Mayor, Fredrick F. Faidoo underscored the critical role of a healthy population in achieving the metropolis’ transformational agenda.
“Health must remain a top priority for a city with ambitious plans for growth,” he emphasized, pledging continued support for the Metro Health Committee to ensure effective service delivery.
The current doctor-to-patient ratio in Sekondi-Takoradi stands at a concerning 1:3,178, while the nurse-to-patient ratio is 1:273. Even more alarming is the city’s maternal mortality rate of 384 deaths per 100,000 live births far exceeding the national average of 310, and significantly above the global average of 223 recorded in 2020.
“This clearly underscores the need for increased investment in maternal health services, not only for Sekondi-Takoradi but for the nation as a whole,” he noted.
According to the Mayor, the government has ramped up its commitment to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goal of reducing the global maternal mortality ratio to under 70 deaths per 100,000 by 2030.
He said the 2025 National Budget reflects this effort, increasing funding for the National Health Insurance Scheme from GHS 6.87 billion in 2024 to GHS 9.93 billion in 2025, the increased allocation is expected to support maternal care, essential medication, and vaccine coverage ultimately easing the financial burden on expectant mothers.
TB Success amid Broader Challenges
Despite the sobering statistics, the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis is making remarkable progress in its fight against tuberculosis. The Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Health Directorate was recently recognized as the best-performing district in TB control in the Western Region for the second time.
The team, led by Dr. Pius Mensah, has received both national and regional accolades for its efforts aligned with the national “Stop TB” policy.
Meanwhile, Upper Respiratory Tract Infections, Malaria, and Urinary Tract Infections have emerged as the top three Outpatient Department (OPD) cases in the metropolis.
As Sekondi-Takoradi balances its health achievements with pressing challenges, city authorities are urging stronger stakeholder engagement and increased investment to close the gap between policy and patient care.
