The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has paid a surprise working visit to the Mother and Child Hospital following the reported death of a 27-year-old pregnant woman, Abigail Opoku, an incident that has triggered widespread public concern and calls for accountability.
The visit formed part of the Minister’s efforts to assess the circumstances surrounding the incident, engage hospital management and frontline health workers, and ensure that urgent measures are taken to strengthen maternal healthcare delivery at the facility.
Abigail Opoku reportedly died in April 2026, after allegedly being denied an emergency caesarean section due to the unavailability of recovery beds.
The incident has generated public outrage, with family members and sections of the public raising concerns over possible medical negligence and systemic challenges affecting emergency maternal care.
During the visit, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh stated that the Ministry of Health would ensure a thorough review of the incident while prioritising measures to improve emergency maternal healthcare services across the country.
The Minister also inspected critical departments within the hospital, interacted with health personnel, and assessed infrastructure and operational challenges affecting service delivery. He stressed the need for efficiency, professionalism, and timely emergency response in all healthcare facilities.
Hon. Akandoh assured the family and the public that the Ministry of Health would work with the appropriate authorities to review the matter and implement measures aimed at preventing similar occurrences in the future.
The visit underscores the Ministry’s focus on improving healthcare standards, strengthening maternal and neonatal care services, and restoring public confidence in the country’s health system.
