Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has indicated that doctors and other health professionals implicated in the Charles Amissah case could still face disciplinary action as relevant institutions work to implement the recommendations of a committee established to investigate the incident. Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Wednesday, Mr Akandoh said the institutions concerned were still reviewing and acting on the directives issued following the committee’s investigations.
He noted that some institutions, particularly the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, had already made progress in reaching decisions on the recommendations. Although acknowledging delays in the process, the Minister explained that some disciplinary matters were complicated by legal considerations that required careful handling.
“Maybe I may have to tell you that in some instances it’s not a straightforward issue, as you said. There are some legal nuances, and that’s the only thing I can add,” he said. Mr Akandoh reaffirmed the government’s commitment to implementing the committee’s recommendations, stressing that the process was ongoing. “We are implementing the recommendations of the committee,” he stated.
When asked whether those identified for disciplinary action would eventually face sanctions, the Minister responded affirmatively, noting that all individuals involved were subject to Ghanaian law. “Why not? They are all under the laws of Ghana, and so that’s how far I can go,” he added.
The Charles Amissah case drew significant public attention to the challenges facing Ghana’s emergency healthcare system, particularly amid concerns over the phenomenon popularly known as the “no bed syndrome”. In response, the government established a committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the case and recommend measures to address the shortcomings identified.
Beyond possible disciplinary action against individuals, the committee proposed several reforms aimed at strengthening emergency healthcare delivery across the country. The recommendations included the establishment of a national electronic emergency bed management system, mandatory triage for all emergency patients, the integration of the Ghana Armed Forces’ critical care services into the national emergency care network, and the creation of a national emergency care fund to cover patients’ initial 24 hours of treatment.
Mr Akandoh disclosed that the implementation of the electronic bed management system had already begun as part of efforts to strengthen emergency care coordination and improve access to treatment. A command centre has been set up at Ridge Hospital, where the system is being piloted in selected regional and teaching hospitals.
According to the Minister, the system will enable the Ministry of Health to monitor emergency bed availability and track patients occupying those beds. It will also help authorities identify patients who spend more than 24 hours in emergency units, even when hospitals report that no beds are available.
“This will help us manage our scarce resources,” he said. Mr Akandoh added that hospitals were being equipped with barcoded beds, while ambulance services had also been integrated into the system to improve coordination and patient management. He further disclosed that the government was considering plans to expand emergency care capacity at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Tamale and the 37 Military Hospital. The Minister said more than 200 ambulances were currently operational, with plans to procure an additional 100 vehicles in 2027 to strengthen emergency response services.
