Govt to procure 100 new ambulances for NAS in 2027 – Health Minister

The Ghana government has announced plans to purchase 100 new ambulances for the National Ambulance Service (NAS) in 2027, as part of a broader initiative to enhance emergency medical services nationwide. Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh disclosed this during the Ministry of Health’s High-Level Mid-Year Review Retreat held in Ho, Volta Region.

The Minister emphasized that this acquisition will substantially boost the operational capacity of the NAS and enhance access to pre-hospital emergency care across the country. He also revealed that 30 refurbished ambulances from the Ghana Air Force Base will be added to the national fleet once maintenance is complete. Additionally, the Minister pledged further funding for repairing and maintaining existing ambulances to ensure a higher number of vehicles are available for emergency response.

Akandoh underscored the importance of a comprehensive Legal Instrument (LI) for the NAS, stressing that the regulatory framework is crucial for the Service’s effective operation and sustainable development. The retreat, which convened board chairpersons, chief executives of health agencies, directors, and senior management officials, served as a platform to evaluate the sector's performance and brainstorm strategies to improve healthcare delivery.

NAS representatives, including Board Chairman Nana Baffour Kotei Kutin Sraman II and CEO Dr. George Kojo Owusu, participated in the discussions. The Ministry highlighted that the retreat provided a valuable opportunity for health sector agencies to review their progress, bolster coordination, and set priorities for advancing healthcare delivery nationwide.