The National Ambulance Service (NAS) in the Asuogyaman District has issued a harrowing warning: the lives of both medics and patients are being held hostage by a "double-threat" of violent highway robberies and the persistent refusal of hospitals to admit emergency cases.
Speaking at the District Health Directorate’s Annual Performance Review in Senchi on Tuesday, District Director Mr. Stephen Quansah revealed that despite the professionalism of his crews, systemic failures and security gaps are undermining the district's ability to provide a "golden hour" response.
1. A Profession Under Siege: Highway Robberies
The most alarming trend highlighted was the direct targeting of ambulance crews by armed groups. Mr. Quansah noted that these are not isolated incidents but a recurring nightmare for emergency responders.
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The 2021 Trauma: The Director recalled the tragic shooting of officer Abraham Tetteh, who was shot in the eye during an emergency run in Somanya.
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The Recent March 2026 Attack: Just two weeks ago, on March 2, 2026, a Kpasa-based team was ambushed while returning from an assignment in Nkwanta North.
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The Impact: Beyond the physical danger, these attacks create a "fear-barrier," potentially delaying responses to high-risk areas during night hours.
2. "No Bed Syndrome": The Death of an Engineer
The report took a somber turn as Mr. Quansah linked the "No Bed Syndrome" directly to the loss of life. He cited the case of 20-year-old engineer Henry Amissah, a hit-and-run victim who died after being turned away by facilities that claimed they had no space.
NAS Operational Data (Asuogyaman District): | Category | 2024 Statistic | 2025 Statistic | Trend | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Total Emergencies | 115 Cases | 111 Cases | Slightly Down | | Elderly (60+) Cases | 29 Cases | 43 Cases | Sharp Rise | | Primary Age Group | 15–44 Years | 15–44 Years | Constant |
The data reveals that while total cases dropped slightly, the complexity of care for the elderly is increasing, placing a heavier burden on the district's limited equipment.
3. Operational Bottlenecks: Sirens and Stationery
The Director didn't mince words regarding the "administrative and social" hurdles that slow down lifesaving work:
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Siren Abuse: The NAS warned that hearses and private motorists are increasingly misusing sirens, leading to "siren fatigue" among the public and causing genuine ambulances to be ignored in traffic.
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Resource Deficit: The Asuogyaman office lacks basic tools—including computers, printers, and photocopiers—forcing staff to rely on manual or external services for critical administrative reporting.
4. A Call for "Facility Cooperation"
Despite the challenges, public feedback for the Asuogyaman NAS remains "largely positive," with residents praising the professionalism of the crews in high-pressure situations. Mr. Quansah concluded with an urgent appeal for a "Coordination Reset."
"I am urging motorists to give way to ambulances... and I am urging hospitals to ensure prompt admissions. Delays can be fatal." — Mr. Stephen Quansah
The Bottom Line
The 2025/2026 review portrays a service that is performing heroically under impossible conditions. For the residents of Asuogyaman, the success of the National Ambulance Service now depends on two things: security patrols on major corridors and a policy mandate that forbids hospitals from turning away a patient in the back of an ambulance.
