The National Ambulance Service (NAS) of Ghana has initiated "Operation Restore Fleet," an effort to revive and restore grounded ambulances to operational service. Engineers and technicians are working around the clock to repair and return serviceable vehicles to the road. This move aims to reduce vehicle downtime, clear unserviceable ambulances from the central workshop, and improve the availability of vehicles for emergency responses nationwide.
The exercise was prompted by concerns raised about the condition of some ambulances in the NAS fleet. A recent media report highlighted the issue, leading the management to introduce a 24-hour engineering operation to accelerate repairs. A visit to the NAS central workshop revealed engineers and technicians working on ambulances with major faults, which have been in continuous operation for over six years across difficult terrains.
As part of "Operation Restore Fleet," ambulances considered beyond economic repair will be permanently cleared and evacuated from the workshop. This move is expected to decongest the facility and create more room for vehicles that can be repaired and returned to service. The NAS aims to significantly reduce vehicle downtime and ensure that every repairable ambulance is restored to active duty.
Dr. George Kojo Owusu, CEO of the NAS, stated that the 307 ambulances procured in 2020 under the one-ambulance-per-constituency initiative have been operating continuously for over six years, often under demanding conditions. He explained that it is normal for a portion of the fleet to require major repairs, specialized parts, and assessment after accidents. The NAS is working around the clock to restore them.
To strengthen the repair effort, Dr. Owusu disclosed that the management is engaging two additional qualified auto mechanics to support the existing workshop team, which is currently small relative to the volume of work. The Service has also engaged the Ministry of Health on a comprehensive plan to ensure sustainable procurement of spare parts and develop maintenance capacity at the regional level.
Despite the fleet challenges, Dr. Owusu assured the public that ambulance services remain operational in all 16 regions, with emergency response continuing daily through the 112 emergency line. He emphasized that the NAS's commitment remains unchanged: timely care saves lives. The NAS expects "Operation Restore Fleet" to be completed within the coming weeks and will provide regular updates on progress.
The NAS's efforts to address the current backlog and prevent the repeated accumulation of grounded ambulances at the central workshop are ongoing. With the support of the Ministry of Health and additional resources, the Service aims to ensure sustainable procurement of spare parts and develop maintenance capacity at the regional level, ultimately improving emergency response services across Ghana.
Key points
- The National Ambulance Service has launched "Operation Restore Fleet" to revive and restore grounded ambulances to operational service.
- The initiative aims to reduce vehicle downtime, clear unserviceable ambulances, and improve the availability of vehicles for emergency responses.
- The NAS expects "Operation Restore Fleet" to be completed within the coming weeks and will provide regular updates on progress.
