The Ghana National Ambulance Service (NAS) has launched its 20th anniversary at the Anita Hotel, at Ejisu, under the theme: “Two Decades of Lifesaving Journey: Celebrating Resilience in Ghana’s Pre-Hospital Emergency Care.”
The launching ceremony of the 20th anniversary coincided with the NAS 2023 Annual and 2024 Mid-Year Performance Review Conference.
As a result, NAS has outlined a programme of activities including health screening, public education, health walks and games with stakeholders, as part of the anniversary, which would be climaxed with dinner and awards night on November 7, 2024 followed by a Thanksgiving service.
Prof. Ahmed Nuhu Zakariah, Chief Executive Officer of NAS, addressing the launching ceremony, noted that his outfit is an important one and requires making split-second decisions.
He said the NAS was conceived after the May 9, 2001 disaster, which witnessed the loss of 127 lives that could have been saved with “simple first aid.”
The concept, which materialised in 2004, started with seven stations (three in Ashanti Region, one in Greater Accra Region and one in the Eastern Region), which has now scaled up to 127 stations nationwide.
Prof. Zakariah indicated that it was not easy in the initial stages without dedicated resources and a legislative instrument to back it.
He noted dedicated Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) personnel are the backbone and ambassadors of the services.
The Deputy Minister of Health, Adelaide Ntim, who doubles as Member of Parliament for Nsuta-Kwaman-Beposo Constituency, indicated that 20 years ago, the vision of establishing a robust emergency medical response system in Ghana was brought to life with the founding of NAS, adding that NAS has been a symbol of hope, resilience and life-saving intervention.
The Deputy Minister noted that there were many challenges, as were the dreams and aspirations of those who envisioned a service that could save lives and provide timely medical assistance to those in need.
Hence, the journey of NAS over the past two decades is replete with remarkable achievements as a dedicated team of paramedics and EMTs has responded to countless emergencies, providing critical care and transport to those in dire need.
She noted that the introduction of state-of-the-art medical equipment and the continuous upgrading of the fleet have been pivotal in enhancing the quality of services provided.
Adelaide Ntim announced that a new fleet of vehicles equipped with the latest medical technology would soon be commissioned.
According to her, the establishment of the Paramedic and Emergency Care Training School (PECTS) at Nkenkaasu, where transformational projects are being pursued to elevate the skills and knowledge of personnel, to ensure they are well-prepared to handle any emergency situation effectively, has been the game changer.
She stated NAS has been at the forefront of providing timely medical assistance in various emergencies, including road accidents and medical emergencies among others, and thus impacted Ghanaian society over the years.
She advised NAS to look into the future with optimism and determination while celebrating the past because the landscape of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is constantly evolving and therefore imperative that NAS continues to innovate and adapt to meet the changing needs of our society.
Nana Wiafe Ababio, Chairman of the Governing Board of NAS, noted that 20 years of dedicated service to the people of Ghana is a journey marked with unwavering commitment, growth and progress.
He paid a glowing tribute to the visionaries who established the NAS, the pioneers who laid the foundation, and the many hands that have built and sustained the institution.
“Their foresight and determination have brought us to where we are today and we owe them a debt of gratitude,” Nana Ababio emphasised.
From Oswald Pius Freiku, Ejisu
