Government to add 100 new ambulances to national fleet in 2027

The government of Ghana plans to add 100 new ambulances to the nation's fleet in 2027 as part of an initiative to bolster emergency medical services. Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh disclosed this during an interview on Joy News’ PM Express. The announcement comes after the previous administration inherited a situation where several ambulances were grounded and none were insured.

Since then, the government has insured the existing fleet and restored many of the vehicles to service. Currently, over 200 ambulances are operational in the country. The minister also revealed that the government intends to replenish the fleet, adding a total of 100 new ambulances in 2027. The distribution of these new ambulances has not been finalized yet, but the minister suggested prioritizing areas with faulty or non-functional ambulances.

The government is also contemplating the strengths and weaknesses of the previous distribution model. Alongside this expansion, the Health Ministry is implementing other measures to enhance emergency care, including the piloting of an electronic emergency bed management system. This system aims to provide health authorities with real-time visibility over available emergency beds, thereby improving the management of limited capacity.

Additionally, the ministry is expanding emergency capacity at major facilities, such as Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Tamale Teaching Hospital, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, and the 37 Military Hospital. These comprehensive measures are part of the broader efforts to implement recommendations aimed at improving Ghana's emergency care system.