Ghana progressively aims to become a modern state and therefore the power of modernity shapes ideas and practices relating to reproductive health policy and planning. For example, Ghana's Reproductive Health Strategic Plan (2007-2011) emphasizes reducing maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity through modernization of obstetric care. Like Harrison (2011), I would concede that the optimal intervention to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes may be to encourage all women to seek referral to trained health professionals. For example, access to trained ANC staff at government health facilities can facilitate the identification and treatment of problems during pregnancy and offers health workers the opportunity to inform women about their health and associated danger signs to pregnancy. It is during the antenatal visit that screening for complications is carried out and advice is given on a range of maternity-related issues, including advice on healthy lifestyles. Studies have even suggested that early and regular contact with a formal healthcare system during pregnancy can also contribute to timely and effective use of services during and after childbirth or in case of obstetric complications (Guliani et al, 2012, Yesuf et al, 2013 ). Similarly, a considerable number of problems leading to maternal and neonatal death have been observed to occur during the postpartum period (Titaley et al, 2010). In particular, the first 48 hours following birth are essential for identifying and monitoring potential complications which, if neglected, could result in the death of mothers and newborns. Therefore access and use of postnatal care services in government health facilities where trained birth attendants are likely to be present