The National Ambulance Service (NAS) of Ghana has issued a statement addressing an incident involving its Atiwa West ambulance crew at Enyiresi Government Hospital on the night of August 1, 2025.
The incident, which has sparked widespread media attention, involved a confrontation between the crew and relatives of a Road Traffic Accident (RTA) victim. The NAS clarified that the ambulance was already attending to a critically ill 17-year-old patient and could not divert its resources without official authorization. The crew maintained professionalism despite the pressure, ensuring the safety of their patient.
According to the NAS, the ambulance was dispatched to transfer the teenage patient from Atiwa West District Hospital to Enyiresi Government Hospital, where it arrived at 6:31 p.m. However, the hospital authorities informed the crew that no beds were immediately available, leaving the patient on oxygen support inside the ambulance. While waiting, relatives of the RTA victim demanded the ambulance be used to transport their patient to Koforidua Regional Hospital. The crew explained that they were engaged in an active emergency and had not received any referral or instructions to assist another case.
The incident escalated when the dissatisfied relatives recorded videos of the ambulance and crew, which were later shared on social media without full context. The NAS commended the crew for adhering to protocols and prioritizing their patient’s care. The Service emphasized that such interference disrupts emergency medical services and called for public cooperation to ensure timely and efficient care for all patients.
In its statement, the NAS reaffirmed its commitment to providing professional and compassionate pre-hospital care across Ghana. It urged the public to direct concerns through official channels rather than resorting to confrontations or spreading misinformation.
The incident highlights the challenges faced by emergency responders and the importance of public understanding in supporting their critical work. The NAS remains dedicated to serving Ghanaians with integrity, even in the face of undue pressure.
