The Deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, has described the death of Charles Amissah as a “never event,” expressing deep condolences to the bereaved family and assuring the public of ongoing investigations.
Addressing the matter following concerns raised in Parliament, the Deputy Minister stated that a committee has been constituted to probe the circumstances that led to the tragic incident. She emphasized that healthcare governance is a continuum and that the current administration remains committed to addressing systemic weaknesses in the sector.
According to her, the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital has interdicted some staff members in connection with the incident, pending the outcome of investigations.
Inherited Structural Challenges
Dr. Ayensu-Danquah noted that the government inherited significant challenges within the health system, including infrastructure deficits and emergency response gaps. She referenced the Agenda 111 initiative, explaining that although large sums were invested under the previous administration, several projects remain incomplete and non-operational.
She disclosed that 35 contractors have reportedly been surcharged ¢7.9 million over issues related to the hospital projects, stressing that no fully operational facilities were handed over under the initiative.
Emergency Care and “No Bed Syndrome”
The Deputy Minister acknowledged persistent problems within emergency healthcare delivery, particularly the long-standing issue commonly referred to as the “no bed syndrome.” She indicated that pre-hospital care and ambulance services require urgent strengthening, revealing that at one point about 30 ambulances were parked due to logistical and personnel constraints.
She assured the public that data is currently being gathered to assess emergency room challenges nationwide, with reforms expected to follow based on the findings.
The death of Charles Amissah has reignited national debate over emergency healthcare access, hospital capacity, and accountability within Ghana’s health sector, with calls for comprehensive reforms to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
