Ghana Government to Procure 100 New Ambulances

The Ghanaian government has announced plans to procure 100 new ambulances to restock the fleet of the National Ambulance Service. According to President John Dramani Mahama, the move aims to improve the country's emergency response system. The President made this disclosure at the 68th Annual National General Conference of the Ghana Medical Association. He also mentioned that 100 broken-down ambulances could be restored to service if the necessary spare parts were procured.

President Mahama emphasized the importance of financial support for specialised care, which must be accompanied by the capacity to deliver that care within Ghana. The Ghana Medical Trust Fund has begun supporting selected serious conditions, starting with cancers. Additionally, investments in specialised training and facilities will strengthen the services patients need. The President cited the recent commissioning of a cardiac catheterisation laboratory at Korle Bu, which has increased capacity to provide advanced cardiac care.

The President highlighted several major hospital projects underway in Ghana. These include the completion of the 509-bed maternity and children’s block at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, which stalled due to Ghana’s debt defaults and subsequent debt restructuring. A new 400-bed maternity and children’s block is under construction at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. President Mahama expressed concern about the condition of the current block, praying that it does not collapse before the new facility is completed.

Other investments in healthcare infrastructure include the operationalisation of the Ashanti Regional Hospital at Sewua. Roadworks have been completed, electricity has been connected, and a pipeline to bring water to the facility is ongoing. Once completed, the Sewua facility will help ease pressure and congestion at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. President Mahama also mentioned the allocation of GH¢200 million in the 2027 Budget to complete the long-delayed Police Hospital expansion project.

The Police Hospital expansion project will increase the hospital’s capacity to 300 beds. A new 100-bed Tamale Police Hospital is set to open soon, while the 160-bed La General Hospital will be completed next year. Work will also resume next year on the Afari Military Hospital in the Ashanti Region. President Mahama noted that 35 of the Agenda 111 hospitals are being packaged for completion, having reached at least 70 per cent completion.

President Mahama also touched on the development of organ transplantation services in Ghana. He stated that foundations are being laid for service development, with work underway on a transplantation framework, including an organ transplantation Bill. This Bill aims to guide the safe and ethical expansion of these services. The President emphasized the need for careful attention to issues of consent, donor protection, professional oversight, and ongoing patient care.

The President concluded by highlighting the government's commitment to improving Ghana's healthcare system. He acknowledged the challenges faced but expressed optimism about the progress being made. With the procurement of new ambulances and investments in healthcare infrastructure, the government aims to enhance the quality of healthcare services in Ghana. The Ghana Medical Association and specialists will play a crucial role in the development of these services.

Key points

• The Ghanaian government has allocated GH¢200 million in the 2027 Budget to complete the Police Hospital expansion project.
• President Mahama announced plans to procure 100 new ambulances and restore 100 broken-down ambulances to service.
• The government is investing in specialised training and facilities to strengthen healthcare services in Ghana.