National Ambulance Service Rejects Claims That EMTs Are Poorly Trained

Edited by: Solomon Kwabena Nana-Ansah – Paaps – 

The Management of the National Ambulance Service has strongly rejected claims that its Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) are poorly trained, describing the assertion as unfortunate and misleading.

The response follows comments reportedly made by Prof. Agyeman-Badu Akosa, Chairman of the committee established by the Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of Mr. Charles Amissah.

During an interview on Channel One TV’s Point of View programme on May 20, 2026, Prof. Akosa allegedly described EMTs of the National Ambulance Service as “poorly trained.”

In a statement dated May 22, 2026, the Service said it respectfully but firmly rejects the characterization, stressing that the comment has the potential to undermine public trust in a critical national emergency healthcare institution.

According to management, EMTs of the National Ambulance Service undergo rigorous theoretical and practical training delivered by qualified medical doctors, emergency physicians, paramedics, nurse specialists, and other experienced healthcare professionals.
The Service further noted that all EMTs are professionally certified and operate within the approved scope of their profession.

The statement highlighted the National Ambulance Service’s over two decades of providing pre-hospital emergency medical care across Ghana, including responses to road traffic accidents, medical emergencies, disasters, and inter-facility patient transfers.
Management also emphasized its commitment to continuous professional development through regular capacity-building programmes aimed at enhancing the competence and efficiency of EMTs nationwide.

As part of ongoing reforms, the Service disclosed that it is reviewing and expanding its curriculum for both Basic and Advanced EMT programmes to strengthen training standards and improve service delivery.
Additionally, the Service announced plans to upgrade its current certificate-based EMT training programmes to Diploma and Degree-awarding programmes as part of efforts to align emergency medical education in Ghana with international best practices.

The National Ambulance Service reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, excellence, and quality emergency response services, while commending EMTs across the country for their dedication and sacrifices under challenging working conditions.

Management concluded by assuring the public of its unwavering commitment to delivering timely and professional pre-hospital emergency care services nationwide.
The statement was signed by Mr. Simmons Yussif Kewura, Deputy Director of Public Relations at the National Ambulance Service.