The Ghana National Ambulance Service has strongly rejected claims that its Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) are inadequately trained, describing the assertion as sweeping and potentially harmful to public confidence in Ghana’s emergency healthcare system.
In a press release issued on Friday, May 22, the Service responded to comments reportedly made by Agyeman-Badu Akosa, who chairs the committee established by the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of Charles Amissah.
During an appearance on Channel One TV’s Point of View programme on May 20, Prof Akosa allegedly described EMTs within the National Ambulance Service as “poorly trained,” comments that have since triggered public debate over the competence and preparedness of Ghana’s emergency medical personnel.
However, management of the Ambulance Service categorically denied the allegation, insisting that EMTs nationwide undergo rigorous theoretical and practical training supervised by qualified medical professionals, including doctors, emergency physicians, paramedics and specialist nurses.
According to the Service, all EMT personnel are properly certified to practise within the approved scope of their profession and are continuously assessed to ensure they meet required operational standards.
The statement noted that the National Ambulance Service has spent more than two decades delivering pre-hospital emergency care across the country, responding to thousands of medical emergencies, road crashes, disasters and inter-facility patient transfers.
Management argued that claims suggesting EMTs are poorly trained undermine the professionalism and sacrifices of emergency responders who often work under difficult and high-pressure conditions to save lives.
“The comment regarding the training of EMTs is sweeping, unfortunate, and capable of undermining public trust and confidence in a critical public health institution,” the statement said.
Despite rejecting the criticism, the Service acknowledged the work of the investigative committee and welcomed efforts aimed at strengthening Ghana’s emergency healthcare delivery system.
The National Ambulance Service also outlined ongoing reforms intended to improve training standards and service delivery.
According to management, the institution is currently reviewing and expanding the curriculum for both Basic and Advanced EMT programmes to strengthen competencies, modernise training structures and improve nationwide emergency response.
The Service further disclosed plans to upgrade its current certificate-based EMT training programmes into diploma and degree-awarding programmes as part of broader reforms aimed at aligning Ghana’s emergency medical training with international best practices.
Management added that continuous professional development remains a priority through regular refresher courses and capacity-building programmes for EMTs across the country.
The statement reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to professionalism, competence and efficiency in emergency medical response while commending EMTs for their dedication and sacrifices despite challenging working conditions.
“The Service assures the general public of its unwavering commitment to providing timely, professional, and quality pre-hospital emergency care services to the people of Ghana,” the statement added.
