The National Ambulance Service (NAS) joined other key emergency response agencies in Ghana for the 81st Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team (WMD-CST) HAZMAT 301 Training, which concluded successfully on Thursday, 24th July 2025. The two-week intensive program was held at the Ghana National Fire Service Academy and Training School in James Town, Accra.
Running from Monday, 14th July to Thursday, 24th July, the training brought together participants from the Ghana National Fire Service, Ghana Armed Forces, National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), and the National Ambulance Service, in a unified effort to strengthen inter-agency collaboration in hazardous materials (HAZMAT) response.
A US-Ghana Training Collaboration
The training was a product of a long-standing partnership between the Ghana National Fire Service and the North Dakota National Guard (USA). It was facilitated by a team of highly experienced HAZMAT experts from the United States, including:
In her closing remarks, Sherry L. Adams, team lead and facilitator, highlighted the significance of cross-agency involvement:
“This training will enhance cohesion among Ghana’s emergency responder agencies during joint operations in hazardous environments,” she noted.
NAS Participation and Representation
The National Ambulance Service was strongly represented by a team of frontline professionals led by PAEMT Daniel Asare, Greater Accra Regional Administrator. The NAS team included:
The team underwent rigorous hands-on and scenario-based training that deepened their understanding of hazardous materials response protocols, inter-agency coordination, and safety management in WMD-related incidents.
Strengthening Emergency Response Capacity
The successful completion of the HAZMAT 301 training marks another step forward in Ghana’s national emergency preparedness strategy. The participation of NAS and other key agencies reflects a growing emphasis on multi-agency collaboration in responding to high-risk incidents involving chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats.
Through initiatives like this, the National Ambulance Service continues to build its capacity and reinforce its role in protecting public health and safety , ensuring that communities are better prepared for complex emergencies.
