-Health Minister says fleet inherited in poor condition
- Unveils Gh1Bn Equipment Drive, Cardiac Expansion
By Philip Antoh
The New Patriotic Party’s flagship “One Constituency One Ambulance” programme, a centrepiece of its 2016 and 2020 campaign messaging, delivered 260 vehicles to the National Ambulance Service without insurance cover, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has disclosed.
The revelation, made at a Health Sector Update Engagement in Accra, undercuts years of NPP claims that the initiative revitalised emergency medical services. According to Akandoh, the entire fleet was uninsured when the National Democratic Congress administration assumed office in January 2025, leaving operators and road users exposed to significant liability.
The incoming government subsequently insured the fleet, the Minister said, noting that most of the ambulances were grounded at the time of the transition.
The disclosure is likely to intensify scrutiny of procurement and operational practices under the previous administration, which frequently cited the ambulance programme as evidence of its commitment to healthcare delivery.
Akandoh announced that government intends to procure an additional 100 ambulances in 2027, though he did not specify financing arrangements or procurement timelines.
The Minister outlined a series of investments signalling a shift from policy formulation to capital expenditure:
· Regional hospitals: Contracts signed for 160-bed facilities in three newer regions currently lacking such infrastructure, with preparations underway to extend the programme to other underserved regions.
· Korle Bu: Construction commenced on a 400-bed Mother and Child Centre to expand specialised maternal and child healthcare.
·Agenda 111: A phased completion strategy adopted to avoid resource dispersion across multiple sites without operationalising any, a tacit acknowledgment of implementation challenges that have dogged the programme.
A catheterisation laboratory at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital has been commissioned, with similar projects at other sites reported to be over 70% complete. Government plans to extend cardiac infrastructure to the Western Region and Port Talbot by 2027, with the stated goal of establishing comprehensive cardiac centres offering diagnosis, treatment, and palliative care.
Akandoh announced a GH¢1bn equipment programme for regional and teaching hospitals, covering MRI and X-ray machines. He cautioned, however, that infrastructure alone is insufficient, stressing the need for qualified personnel, medicines, and modern equipment.
The Minister expressed concern over poor maintenance culture for medical equipment, disclosing that government is developing a sustainable maintenance system to ensure prompt repairs and replacement of obsolete machines.
Acknowledging fiscal constraints, Akandoh said the private sector will be encouraged to participate in retooling health facilities. He projected that combined infrastructure and equipment investments would produce a more modern, responsive, and resilient healthcare system.