The Clinical Auditor for the Southern Zone of the National Ambulance Service (NAS), Martin Ewuah Amoah, has revealed that a significant number of ambulances are currently grounded.
In an interview on Accra-based Channel One TV, Mr. Amoah stated that out of 318 ambulances nationwide, only 191 are operational, while 127 are not functioning.
“We have 318 stations, but currently, we have 191 in commission [functional] and 127 out of commission [not working] for obvious reasons, because an ambulance has a lifespan of five years. After five years, there should be steps to replace them. Otherwise, like any vehicle, high maintenance issues will crop up if we’re not able to get a new fleet to replace old ones,” he explained.
He indicated that the situation largely stems from the natural lifespan of the vehicles, noting that without timely replacement, maintenance challenges inevitably increase.
His remarks follow the death of 29-year-old Charles Amissah, who was involved in a hit-and-run incident at the Circle Overpass in Accra on February 6, 2026.
Mr. Amissah, an engineer with Promasidor Ghana Limited, producers of Cowbell milk and other food products, was reportedly attended to and stabilised by emergency medical technicians from the National Ambulance Service.
However, reports indicate that he was unable to secure admission at three major health facilities — Accra Ridge Hospital, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital and Police Hospital — over nearly three hours due to a lack of available beds, ultimately leading to his death.
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