Accra: One hundred and twenty-seven out of the National Ambulance Service's 318 ambulances are currently not operational, as disclosed by the Clinical Auditor for the Southern Zone, Martin Ewuah Amoah. In an interview on February 23, 2026, Amoah revealed that while there are 318 ambulances nationwide, only 191 are currently functional, leaving 127 ambulances out of commission.
According to Ghana Web, Amoah explained that ambulances are designed to last about five years, after which they should be replaced to prevent operational challenges associated with aging vehicles. The statement highlighted the importance of timely replacement to avoid high maintenance issues that could arise if a new fleet is not procured.
Concerns about the ambulance service's capacity were amplified following the death of 29-year-old engineer Charles Amissah. Amissah was involved in a hit-and-run accident at the Circle Overpass in Accra on February 6, 2026. Although Emergency Medical Technicians from the National Ambulance Service provided initial care and stabilized him at the scene, Amissah was unable to secure immediate admission at three major health facilities in Accra due to a lack of available bed space. Tragically, he passed away after being turned away for nearly three hours from the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge), Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, and the Police Hospital.
The ongoing issues with the ambulance fleet underscore the critical need for timely updates and replacements to ensure that emergency medical services can effectively respond to incidents and save lives.