On the very morning he was to lay his wife to rest, Daniel Ofori Asante penned a heart-wrenching tribute that has ignited public outrage and renewed scrutiny of Ghana’s maternal healthcare system .
Theresa Boakye Dua, a 31-year-old employee of the Ministry of Health, died following a scheduled elective Caesarean section at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, Ridge Hospital—the very place she had trusted to safely deliver her first child .
Just 19 months into their marriage, Mr. Asanteknown to many as KODA—is now a widower, and his newborn son will grow up without a mother .
“Theresa’s Only Fault Was Being Pregnant”
In his searing statement, Mr. Asante described the tragedy that began on the evening of July 16, 2026:
“Since the evening of July 16, 2026, I have lived in excruciating pain. I am still struggling to process the horrific ordeal my wife, our families and myself endured at Ridge Hospital. A nightmare that ultimately stole the life of a vibrant young mother whose only dream was to raise her newborn son.”
He accused the hospital and its medical personnel of “blatant negligence and unprofessionalism,” stating: “Theresa’s only fault was being pregnant and placing her trust in Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge Hospital) for a scheduled, elective Caesarean section.”
Though specific medical details were not disclosed, Mr. Asante alleged that “reckless decisions made by some people at Ridge Hospital ensured her life was cut short” . He further promised to reveal a “disappointing reality of Unprofessionalism, Manipulation, and Extortion” after the burial .
A Family Shattered
The loss has left both families devastated. Theresa was an only child—a fact that has compounded the grief of her parents . Her father, who was living abroad and not expected to return until 2027, was forced to make an earlier trip home.
“Picking my father-in-law up from the airport over the last 2 weeks was one of the most heartbreaking moments of my life,” Mr. Asante wrote .
“Every morning, I look at my mother-in-law and wonder how any mother survives the agony of losing her only child in the very act of bringing new life into this world,” he added .
Theresa’s death has deeply affected her colleagues at the Ministry of Health, members of ICGC Covenant Temple, and their wider circle of friends .
Outcry and Calls for Investigation
The tragedy has drawn widespread condemnation. Akosua Manu, Advisor on Gender and Social Protection to NPP flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, demanded a bipartisan parliamentary inquiry into maternal deaths in Ghana .
“Theresa went to have a baby,” she wrote on X. “Her husband went to the hospital hoping to leave with his wife and baby, instead, he was met with the devastating news that his wife had died during childbirth.”
Ms. Manu disclosed that in 2025 alone, 965 women died from pregnancy-related complications in Ghana . She lamented that maternal deaths “must no longer be treated as mere statistics” .
Renowned musician Mugeez of R2Bees also weighed in, demanding sanctions for what he called “gross negligence.” “Being a woman and pregnant in any part of Ghana should not be a death sentence. We demand the Ministry of Health sanction and bring discipline into the public healthcare centres.”
A National Crisis
The Deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, has previously described maternal mortality as Ghana’s worst-performing health indicator . Health authorities have acknowledged that leading causes include postpartum haemorrhage, hypertensive disorders, and sepsis .
This is not the first time Ridge Hospital has faced allegations of negligence. In 2024, an Accra High Court awarded GH¢3 million in damages to a man whose pregnant wife died at the same facility after a C-section in 2019 .
A Promise to Fight On
Mr. Asante acknowledged that speaking out would not bring Theresa back, but he vowed to press forward:
“Will this bring back the life of my wife? Absolutely not—but so that no other pregnant woman or family has to endure this living nightmare.”
“After I honor my wife today, Friday 28th August, 2026, the full truth will be told… To be continued.”
He ended his tribute with a farewell to his wife: “T! I will lay you to rest today with an intensely heavy heart… Rest in perfect peace, my best friend, my soulmate, and the love of my life. You did not deserve this.”
“Da yie, me dɔfo pa.” (Goodnight, my beloved.)
— The allegations in this report have not been independently confirmed. Ridge Hospital and the Ghana Health Service have not yet issued a formal response to Mr. Asante’s claims.
