Nearly 40 per cent of ambulances under the National Ambulance Service are currently not operational, raising concerns about the country’s emergency response capacity.
Of the 318 ambulance stations nationwide, only 191 vehicles are currently operational, leaving 127 out of service. The situation has been attributed largely to the ageing fleet and the absence of timely replacements.
Officials explain that ambulances typically have a five-year operational lifespan, after which maintenance demands increase significantly.
Without systematic fleet renewal, breakdowns become more frequent, affecting response times and service delivery.
The disclosure comes amid renewed scrutiny of Ghana’s emergency healthcare system following the death of 29-year-old Charles Amissah, who was involved in a hit-and-run accident at the Circle Overpass in Accra on February 6, 2026.
Although he was stabilised by Emergency Medical Technicians, he was reportedly unable to secure admission at the Ridge Hospital, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital and Police Hospital due to a lack of bed space and later died.
Speaking in an interview with Channel One TV on Monday, February 23, 2026, the Clinical Auditor for the Southern Zone of the National Ambulance Service, Martin Ewuah Amoah, confirmed the figures.
We have 318 stations, but currently, we have 191 in commission and 127 out of commission. An ambulance has a lifespan of five years. After that, steps must be taken to replace them; otherwise, high maintenance issues will arise if we are unable to procure a new fleet,” he stated.
Amissah, an engineer with Promasidor Ghana Limited, had sustained injuries in the accident and was transported by ambulance before the unsuccessful attempts to secure hospital admission, an episode that has intensified public debate over gaps in emergency response and hospital preparedness.
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