The Chief Executive Officer of the National Ambulance Service (NAS), Dr. George Kojo Owusu, has commended the successful graduation of 1,765 Community Medical First Responders (CMFRs) under the joint initiative between the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) and NAS.
Delivering his address at the passing-out parade of the second cohort of trainees at the Paramedic and Emergency Care Training School in Nkenkaasu, Dr. Owusu said the event marked another important milestone in Ghana’s effort to strengthen pre-hospital emergency care while providing meaningful employment opportunities for our youth.
A total of 380 trainees graduated in Nkenkaasu, with an additional 1,385 passing out simultaneously across Tepa, Asutsuare, Assin Fosu, and Ezinlibo, bringing the total number of newly trained responders to 1,765.
The initiative, he noted, forms part of the Community Medical First Responders Programme, a flagship project under the Reset Ghana Agenda spearheaded by His Excellency John Dramani Mahama.
Dr. Owusu emphasized that the programme has two key objectives, to position trained emergency responders closer to the communities they serve and to create sustainable, dignified employment for young Ghanaians.
“This milestone affirms our national resolve that no matter where one lives — in a bustling city, a quiet town, or a remote community help will always be within reach,” he said.
NAS CEO disclosed that the initiative seeks to train 6,000 responders nationwide, with the current batch representing a bold beginning in this transformative journey.
Over the past four weeks, trainees received instruction in Basic Life Support, Trauma Management, Emergency Response, Disaster Preparedness, and Community Health Interventions.
He noted that NAS, as the technical partner, leveraged its two-decade experience and infrastructure to prepare the youth for their roles.
Highlighting the broader impact of the programme, he said having trained responders stationed within communities would reduce response times, ensure faster emergency interventions, and ultimately save more lives.
“Beyond the health benefits, this initiative offers our youth more than employment, it gives them a noble calling. They are now guardians of their communities, first-line protectors of life, and ambassadors of compassion and service,” he added.
Dr. Owusu extended gratitude to the Government of Ghana, the Youth Employment Agency led by Mr. Malik Basintale, the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council, and the Offinso North District Assembly for their immense support.
He also lauded NAS’s Governing Board, Directors, Facilitators, and Staff for their commitment to ensuring the success of the programme.
He urged the graduates to uphold the values of service, sacrifice, and humanity in their work.
Story By: Nana Antwi Boasiako
