The National Ambulance Service has raised concern over the continued threat posed by prank calls to its emergency lines, warning that such actions remain a major hindrance to effective emergency response.
Speaking on 3FM’s Morning Show on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, the Regional Manager of the National Ambulance Service in Greater Accra, Principal Advanced Emergency Medical Technologist (PAEMT) Daniel Asare, expressed frustration at the persistent misuse of emergency lines.
‘’We get over 5,000 prank calls every month in Accra. Don’t call to prank us else, you hijack the system while disrupting operations and delaying responses to real emergencies.’’ He cautioned.
The Emergency Service Provider therefore calls for public education while urging government and telecom regulators to explore stricter penalties and tracking mechanisms for those who abuse emergency services.
“Basic first aid should be enhanced in our various educational institutions to have basic knowledge of the management of emergency cases. The public must also be sensitized on how to use emergency contacts.”
The National Ambulance Service has over the years played a crucial role in providing pre-hospital emergency care across the country.
Mr Asare also bemoaned the shortage of ambulances, which he says threatens the delivery of timely medical care during emergencies.
Speaking on 3FM Sunrise with Johnnie Hughes, Daniel Asare emphasizes that they have for far too long been bedevilled in their quest to provide emergency response services.
“In line with WHO standards, one ambulance is recommended for every 50,000 people,”. “But in Greater Accra, we are operating with just 40 ambulances for a population of over 5.2 million.” He stated.
Mr Asare again highlighted the strain on paramedics and the ripple effects on patient outcomes.
“Our teams are doing their best even under difficult circumstances, but the system is under-resourced. Sometimes, we get simultaneous emergency calls in different parts of the city, and we simply do not have enough ambulances to respond to all of them in real time,” He cried.
The Regional Manager of the National Ambulance Service in Greater Accra however called for urgent government intervention and investment in emergency health infrastructure
“We must resource the frontline adequately. Lives are being lost because we can’t reach patients quickly enough. We need additional ambulances like rapid response vehicles, air ambulances, and retooling of our spoilt ambulances.” Daniel Asare emphasized.
In January 2020, the NPP government commissioned and distributed 307 new ambulances, seeking to provide each of Ghana’s 275 constituencies with at least one ambulance. This initiative was part of the NPP’s 2016 campaign promise to strengthen the National Ambulance Service. The ambulances were equipped with advanced life support systems and tracking devices to enhance emergency response capabilities.
Despite these initiatives among others, citizens still battle to access and afford an ambulance during critical needs.
