The Health Facilities Regulatory Agency (HeFRA) has launched a comprehensive investigation into the tragic death of 29-year-old engineer Charles Amissah, who passed away on February 6, 2026, after being denied emergency care at three major hospitals due to "no bed syndrome".
Acting on the directive of the Minister of Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, a HeFRA team led by Dr. Philip Boakye Dankwah, met with the management of the National Ambulance Service (NAS).
The high-level meeting included the CEO of NAS, Dr. George Kojo Owusu, top management, the Greater Accra Regional and Deputy Regional Administrators, and the specific Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) crew that attended to Mr. Amissah during his final hours.
Key Highlights of the Investigation:
Systemic Failures: The probe focuses on why the victim, who was stabilized by EMTs after a hit-and-run accident at the Nkrumah Circle Overpass, was subsequently turned away by Police Hospital, Ridge Hospital (Greater Accra Regional Hospital), and Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
Operational Review: The team interviewed the EMT crew to understand the timeline of the three-hour period during which the patient was shuttled between facilities before suffering a fatal cardiac arrest at Korle Bu.
Referral Challenges: During the meeting, NAS CEO Dr. George Kojo Owusu appealed to HeFRA for assistance in establishing a formalized and "proper" communication channel for referring patients to prevent future occurrences.
Accountability: The Ministry of Health has already interdicted two doctors and two nurses as part of the broader investigation into alleged negligence.
