The government of Ghana has announced plans to add 100 new ambulances to the country's national fleet in 2027. This move is part of efforts to strengthen emergency medical services in the country. Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh made the announcement during an interview on Joy News' PM Express on Wednesday, October 6, 2026.
According to Minister Akandoh, the government inherited a situation where several ambulances were grounded and none of the existing ambulances were insured. However, the government has since insured the ambulance fleet and restored many of the vehicles to service. Currently, more than 200 ambulances are functioning, the Minister said.
The new ambulances will be added to the fleet in 2027, with the Minister suggesting that areas with faulty or non-functional ambulances could be prioritized for distribution. The government is yet to take a final decision on the distribution model, but it is considering the strengths and weaknesses of the previous "one constituency, one ambulance" approach.
The ambulance expansion is part of wider measures being pursued by the Health Ministry to improve emergency care in Ghana. The Ministry is also piloting an electronic emergency bed management system, which will give health authorities visibility over available emergency beds and help manage the limited capacity more effectively.
The electronic emergency bed management system is being piloted at Ridge Hospital, with the command centre already established. The system will also help authorities identify patients who remain in emergency units for more than 24 hours and prompt questions about why they have not been moved.
In addition to the ambulance expansion and electronic bed management system, the government is also expanding emergency capacity at major facilities, including Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Tamale Teaching Hospital, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, and the 37 Military Hospital. These measures are part of efforts to implement recommendations to improve Ghana's emergency care system.
The Health Ministry's efforts to improve emergency care in Ghana have been ongoing, with the Minister highlighting the importance of addressing the country's emergency care needs. The Ministry's initiatives aim to enhance the quality of emergency services and reduce the burden on the healthcare system.
Key points
- The government plans to add 100 new ambulances to Ghana's national fleet in 2027.
- The new ambulances will be distributed based on a yet-to-be-determined model, with areas having faulty or non-functional ambulances possibly being prioritized.
- The Health Ministry is also piloting an electronic emergency bed management system to improve emergency care in Ghana.
