Deputy Minority Leader Urges Stronger Action to End Obstetric Fistula in Ghana

Deputy Minority Leader and Chairperson of the Parliamentary Caucus on Population and Development, Hon. Patricia Appiagyei, has called for more decisive measures to eliminate obstetric fistula in Ghana as the country marked the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula.

Presenting a statement on the floor of Parliament, the MP for Asokwa in the Ashanti Region explained that obstetric fistula is usually caused by prolonged obstructed labour without access to emergency delivery care.

The condition creates a tear or abnormal opening between the birth canal and the bladder or rectum, leaving affected women and girls incontinent and often socially isolated.

Hon. Appiagyei said an estimated 12,000 women and girls in Ghana are currently living with the debilitating and dehumanising condition.

She described the figure as unacceptable and stressed that many cases could be prevented with timely access to skilled delivery and emergency obstetric care.

She appealed to the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service to expand the country’s fistula repair capacity from the current 200 cases annually to more than 2,000 cases each year.

She also urged stakeholders, communities, and development partners to intensify awareness creation, combat stigma against survivors, increase the number of surgical repairs, and advocate for the dignity and rights of affected women.

According to the Asokwa MP, ending obstetric fistula will require a collective effort from government, health workers, traditional authorities, civil society, and families.

She emphasised that improving maternal health services and ensuring no woman delivers without skilled care are critical to protecting the lives and dignity of thousands of women and girls across the country.

Story by Hajara Fuseini

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