On March 13, 2025, the Greater Accra Regional office of the National Ambulance Service (NAS) successfully held its 2024 Annual Performance Review Conference, an important forum for assessing progress, identifying challenges, and setting the course for the future of pre-hospital emergency medical services in the region.
There was a welcome address by Dr. Paemt Daniel Asare, the Greater Accra Regional Administrator, setting the tone for the conference.
In his speech, he emphasised the significance of the annual review as a platform for collective reflection, learning, and strategising. He welcomed all attendees and expressed gratitude for their unwavering commitment to improving emergency medical service delivery in the Greater Accra Region.
This year’s theme, “Reflect, Review, and Consolidate to Build a Robust and Resilient Pre-Hospital Emergency Medical Service Delivery in Achieving Universal Health Coverage in the Greater Accra Region,” was carefully selected to align with Ghana’s national health agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Dr. Asare highlighted that pre-hospital emergency medical services play a crucial role in achieving: SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) – reducing road traffic injuries and deaths while ensuring universal health coverage with access to quality emergency care; and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) – ensuring that emergency medical services are accessible in both urban and rural areas.
He also shared key data on the region’s emergency medical response.
According to him, the Greater Accra Region serves over 5.2 million people, with an ambulance to population ratio of 1:13,200, which is woefully below the WHO standard.
On average, the region attends to 750 cases per month and has responded to 9,030 emergencies in 2024.The average regional response time stands at 18 minutes and 45 seconds.
While acknowledging the strides made, he noted the growing demand for resources and efficiency in service delivery.
Looking ahead, NAS Greater Accra has set key priorities for 2025, including:
1. Expanding accessibility by opening more ambulance stations in underserved areas.
2. Improving response times by training and forming more first-responder groups.
3. Regular refresher training for both driver and non-driver EMTs.
4. Enhancing fleet management to reduce frequent breakdowns.
5. Improving client services for better patient experiences.
6. Increasing public education to raise awareness on emergency medical response.
Dr. Asare urged all stakeholders to collaborate and innovate in strengthening the service to better serve the people of Greater Accra.
There was also the need to acknowledge and appreciate the exemplary leadership of Prof. Ahmed Nuhu Zakaria, CEO of the National Ambulance Service, whose dedication and vision is pivotal to the improvements in pre-hospital emergency medical services in Ghana. His leadership has been instrumental in strengthening the operations, training, and infrastructure of NAS.
Also in a speech by Dr. Foster Ansong Bridjan (Acting Director of Operations),he acknowledged the dedication and sacrifices of EMTs and support staff, emphasizing their critical role in saving lives despite challenging conditions. He equally highlighted the progress made in emergency response, capacity building, and public awareness while acknowledging the need for further improvements in areas such as logistics, personnel welfare, training, and collaboration.
Dr. Ansong Bridjan encouraged open and constructive discussions, urging all participants to focus on innovation and accountability to enhance emergency medical care. He called for teamwork and professionalism, reaffirming the commitment to building a robust and efficient ambulance service to meet the growing healthcare demands.
Lastly, fraternal messages were received from stakeholders such as Ghana Police Service, Ghana National Fire Service, National Road Safety Authority, Ghana Red Cross Society, St. Johns Ambulance Service, Health Services Worker’s Union, World Vision International, Local Government and Traditional Leaders. It was a successful programme and with all hands on deck, the next one will be see more improvement.
The event, was attended by key stakeholders in emergency medical services, which include Dr. Foster Ansong Bridjan – Acting Director of Operations, Victor Coffie – Director of Finance, Dr. Simon Nyaaba – Deputy Director, PPME, Simons Yussif Kewura – Deputy Director, HR Mrs. Ama Frimpong, HR – Alhaji Seidu Sanunu Deputy Director, Procurement and Dr. Felicia Birch Freeman – Regional Coordinator. PAEMT Walter Foli Ashom, Deputy Greater Accra Regional, Administrator and Paramedic Martin Ewuah Amoah, Clinical Auditor.
