Health Ministry holds midwives’ innovation hackathon, showcases bold frontline solutions

The Ministry of Health has held its maiden Midwives’ Innovation Hackathon Exhibition, spotlighting the creativity and problem-solving power of Ghana’s midwives as innovators, frontline leaders and agents of change.

The Chief Director of the Ministry of Health, Mr. Desmond Boateng, in his address, stated that the Hackathon aligns with the Ministry’s commitment to improving maternal and newborn outcomes, noting that midwives play a crucial role in achieving Ghana’s Universal Health Coverage goals.

He stated that the Ministry will continue to support innovation-driven initiatives that enhance efficiency, strengthen decision-making, and ensure safe and quality care for mothers and newborns.

President of the Ghana Registered Midwives Association (GRMA), Mad. Netta Ackon-Forson said the event proved that innovation is not about advanced technology, but about everyday problem-solving rooted in the reality’s midwives face on the frontline.

She stressed that midwives are not just part of the health system, for many women, midwives are the entire system, delivering lifesaving care even in the toughest conditions.

Head of the Midwifery Unit at the Ministry, Mad. Estel Ruth Opoku, announced that winners of the Hackathon will receive cash prizes, mentorship, and opportunities to scale their ideas.

She revealed that partners including Google, Microsoft and the UNFPA, are already committing support to help midwives develop prototypes, digital tools and community-based solutions.

The exhibition featured midwife-led projects judged by a selected jury, celebrating practical innovations designed from the realities of frontline care.