The Deputy Director of the National Ambulance Service, Simmons Yussif Kewura, has voiced deep concern about the persistent “no-bed syndrome,” describing it as a serious setback to emergency medical response in Ghana.

His comments come in the wake of public outrage following the death of 29-year-old Charles Amissah, who was critically injured in a hit-and-run accident at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle Overpass in Accra.

According to reports, ambulance personnel responded swiftly, stabilised him at the scene, and rushed him to the Police Hospital.

When he could not be admitted there, he was taken to the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge) and later to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

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At each facility, however, he was allegedly turned away due to the unavailability of beds, a recurring challenge widely known as the “no-bed syndrome.”

According to a citinewsroom.com report on February 19, 2026, Kewura said the tragic incident highlights the daily struggles ambulance crews face in their efforts to save lives.

He explained that while paramedics are trained to provide emergency care and stabilise patients, their role is to ensure patients reach hospitals for full treatment, a process that becomes frustrating when hospitals cannot admit them.

“Everything boils down to the no-bed syndrome. We do not provide holistic medical care. Ours is to ensure the person gets to the facility for proper treatment. So, if we get there and there is no bed, it makes our work very difficult,” he said.

Kewura urged health authorities to adopt lasting solutions to expand hospital capacity and improve emergency healthcare delivery.

He stressed that although the Ambulance Service remains dedicated to its life-saving mission, its work is severely constrained when hospitals lack space to receive critically ill patients.

The incident has once again reignited conversations about Ghana’s healthcare infrastructure and the urgent need to address systemic challenges that can mean the difference between life and death.

NA/VPO