Korle Bu Mothercraft Programme marks 7 years
The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) has graduated more than 70 mothers and fathers under its Mothercraft Programme.
The programme is a comprehensive training initiative designed to equip expectant and new parents with knowledge on pregnancy, childbirth and newborn care.
This is to strengthen national efforts to reduce maternal and infant mortality by empowering families with practical skills, awareness and early recognition of danger signs.
The celebration, held on the theme: “From Pregnancy to Parenthood: A Journey of Joy”, marked its seventh year of dedicated training aimed at improving maternal and newborn care and contributing to Ghana’s safe motherhood agenda.
Commitment
Speaking at the ceremony, the Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Dr Charles Takyi, praised the graduates for their commitment to learning.
He said the programme had recorded an 85 per cent improvement in knowledge among participants this year alone.
Dr Takyi said more than 70 mothers successfully completed the 2025 training cycle, describing the milestone as “a remarkable achievement that reflects the enthusiasm of parents to safeguard their health and that of their babies.
He added that seven years of Mothercraft “has been a major success,” and reaffirmed the programme’s slogan: “Empowered Mums, Brighter Future, Yaaaaah!”
Dr Takyi described the graduates as ambassadors of safe motherhood, who are now equipped to promote health, awareness and shared responsibility in their homes and communities.
He emphasised that reducing maternal and infant mortality remains a national priority, and programmes like Mothercraft are essential to achieving sustainable improvements in maternal health.
He expressed gratitude to facilitators, nurses, midwives, doctors, the media, sponsors and the KBTH administration for their support.
He also highlighted key needs for the programme’s continued success, including financial support, transportation assistance and the introduction of postnatal classes in 2026.
He reaffirmed the department’s commitment to ensuring that every expectant and new parent receives quality guidance through the journey to parenthood.
The Acting Chief Midwifery Officer, Shirley Boateng Gyasi, described motherhood as a deeply emotional and life-changing journey that begins with a tiny heartbeat and transforms into a lifetime of love and responsibility.
She explained that the theme for the celebration: “From Pregnancy to Parenthood: A Journey of Joy”, captured not only happiness but also the courage, sacrifice and unwavering devotion that mothers bring to their role.
Mrs Gyasi reflected on the stages women experience from the anxious excitement of early pregnancy to the long nights, fears and uncertainties that arise along the way.
She encouraged mothers to believe in their strength, reminding them: “You are enough, and you are more than enough”, even in moments when they doubt themselves.
She appreciated the families and friends who provided support to the mothers, emphasising that their encouragement formed the foundation on which safe and healthy motherhood thrives.
She expressed gratitude to the doctors, midwives, nurses and paramedics at KBTH, whose tireless dedication ensured that mothers and babies received expert guidance and compassionate care throughout their journey.
Mrs Gyasi urged the mothers to take pride in their resilience and recognise the extraordinary responsibility they carry in shaping the lives placed in their care.
Structure, purpose, support
The Chief Midwifery Officer and Unit Head of the Obstetrics OPD, Cynthia Louisa Hagan, explained that the Mothercraft School runs from January to November each year, spanning approximately 11 months.
She said classes were held twice monthly on the second and fourth Saturdays to allow sufficient time for demonstrations, discussions and hands-on guidance.
She explained that the programme was introduced to complement routine antenatal clinics, where mothers often have limited time for extended education due to their scheduled consultations with doctors.
The Mothercraft sessions, she said, create space for in-depth learning, enabling mothers to ask questions freely and receive detailed explanations and demonstrations.
Mrs Hagan emphasised that the primary aim of the programme is to educate mothers on danger signs during pregnancy so that they can seek early medical attention and reduce the risk of maternal morbidity and mortality.
She described pregnancy as a normal and joyous experience that should not result in loss of life when mothers are properly informed and supported.
Mrs Hagan outlined the areas covered during the programme, including understanding bodily changes, recognising warning signs such as severe headaches, swelling and dizziness, managing common discomforts, breastfeeding techniques, safe newborn bathing and handling, birth preparedness, the importance of antenatal books and good nutrition.
She also explained that myths surrounding pregnancy, such as the belief that pregnancy is a sickness, were addressed to ensure mothers adopt healthy attitudes and practices.
Mrs Hagan added that support continued after graduation, as mothers are added to structured WhatsApp platforms grouped by babies’ ages ranging from the first month to postnatal, where midwives and doctors remain available to offer guidance and respond to concerns.
