The National Ambulance Service is grappling with significant operational challenges, as 127 of its 318 ambulances are currently out of service, according to Martin Ewuah Amoah, Clinical Auditor for the Southern Zone.
Mr. Amoah revealed that only 191 ambulances across the Service’s 318 stations are currently functional.
He explained that the high number of out-of-commission vehicles is mainly due to the five-year lifespan of ambulances, making timely replacements essential to avoid escalating maintenance issues and ensure a reliable emergency response fleet.
This disclosure comes in the wake of public outcry following the tragic death of 29-year-old Charles Amissah, an engineer with Promasidor Ghana Limited. Mr. Amissah was the victim of a hit-and-run accident at the Circle Overpass in Accra on February 6, 2026.
Although Emergency Medical Technicians managed to stabilise him at the scene, he was reportedly turned away by three major hospitals, Ridge Hospital, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, and the Police Hospital, over a span of nearly three hours due to a lack of available beds. He later died from his injuries.
The incident has renewed calls for urgent reforms and investments in Ghana’s emergency healthcare system, with many highlighting the critical need for regular ambulance fleet renewal and improved hospital capacity to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com