The National Ambulance Service (NAS) has rejected claims that its Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) are poorly trained, following comments made by a committee chair set up to investigate the death of a 29-year-old patient, Charles Amissah.
Prof. Agyeman-Badu Akosa, who chairs the committee established by Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, had suggested in an interview on Accra-based Channel One TV that EMTs may not be adequately trained, a factor he implied could have contributed to the patient’s death
In response, the National Ambulance Service (NAS) has described the comments as “sweeping, unfortunate, and capable of undermining public trust and confidence in a critical public health institution that has consistently served the people of Ghana with professionalism and dedication for over two decades.”
While acknowledging the work of the investigative committee, the Service said it “respectfully but firmly rejects this unfortunate assertion.”
In a statement issued on Friday, May 22, 2026, NAS outlined the training standards of its personnel, insisting EMTs are properly prepared through structured professional programmes.
“Emergency Medical Technicians of the National Ambulance Service are adequately and professionally trained by qualified Medical Doctors, Emergency Physicians, Paramedics, Nurse Specialists, and other experienced healthcare professionals,” the statement said.
NAS also pointed to its long-standing operational record, noting that for over two decades it has provided emergency medical services across the country.
Management added that ongoing reforms and continuous training are part of efforts to strengthen emergency care delivery nationwide.
The Service maintained that it “categorically rejects the assertion that EMTs of the National Ambulance Service are poorly trained,” stressing that the dedication of its staff “continues to save lives daily and deserves commendation rather than generalised disparagement.”
