The efficiency of Ghana’s emergency response system has come under scrutiny as the Ranking Member on the Health Committee of Parliament, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, revealed that a staggering 91 out of the 307 ambulances imported and commissioned by President Nana Akufo-Addo in 2020 are currently non-operational.
During a recent debate on the budget estimates for the Ministry of Health, Mr. Akandoh expressed his concerns over the dire state of the National Ambulance Service.
He disclosed that 79 ambulances have completely broken down, while 12 others have been involved in accidents, rendering them unfit for service.
Mr. Akandoh highlighted the pressing issue of underfunding, emphasizing that despite the increasing demand for emergency services, the National Ambulance Service has been grappling with inadequate financial support.
He stated, “In 2022, the National Ambulance Service recorded not less than 41,000 cases; in 2023, as at the time they appeared before us, they had recorded only 27,000 cases.”
The MP went on to criticize the budget allocation for the National Ambulance Service, revealing that out of the GH¢67 million earmarked, only GH¢20 million has been received.
He cautioned that if the current trend persists, the country could face a severe shortage of operational ambulances in the near future.
President Nana Akufo-Addo commissioned the fleet of ambulances at the Black Star Square in Accra on Tuesday, January 28, 2020, with the aim of enhancing emergency medical services across the country.
However, the revelation of the high number of non-functional ambulances raises questions about the maintenance and sustainability of the emergency response system.
