Wassa Amenfi East MCE secures new ambulance to boost emergency healthcare

The Municipal Chief Executive of Wassa Amenfi East, Hon. Raymond Nana Ebbah, has secured a brand new ambulance to improve referral case transportation and emergency healthcare delivery in the municipality.

The Toyota Hiace vehicle, with registration number GW-6629-26, was handed over to the National Ambulance Service department in Wassa Akropong, the municipal capital, during a ceremony attended by traditional leaders, heads of departments, and government officials.

The ambulance is equipped with a mobile stretcher, oxygen cylinder, patient monitor, vital signs equipment, vacuum splints, CPR machine, incubation sets, suction device, ventilator, paramedic jump bags, functioning beacon lights, siren, and interior working lights.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Hon. Raymond Nana Ebbah revealed that the municipality’s only existing ambulance had broken down and remained grounded despite multiple servicing attempts. He said the situation had forced patients, including pregnant women, to travel by taxi to Kumasi, with some tragically dying on the way.

“A functional ambulance plays a 70 percent successful role in all emergency medical treatments by providing crucial first aid,” the MCE stated.

He disclosed that the vehicle was donated by a businessman identified as Director DJ, who granted the request just two days after it was made. The MCE expressed gratitude to the Wassa Amenfi Paramount Chief, Tetrete Okuamoah Sekyim II, for his guidance and advice, noting that having his name on the vehicle affirms his commitment to the chief’s counsel.

The Acting Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the National Ambulance Service, Dr. Patrick Inkoom-Colbelson, thanked the MCE and the donor for securing the vehicle. He noted that attending to emergency cases had previously been disheartening but assured that the service would prioritise maintenance and use the ambulance for its intended purpose.

Dr. Inkoom-Colbelson also urged Ghanaians to avoid prank calls to emergency lines, stressing that frivolous calls hinder help for those in genuine need and divert resources from life-threatening situations.

The event was graced by the Omanhene of the Wasa Amenfi Traditional Area, Tetrete Okuamoah Sekyim II; Wasa Amenfi Queen mother, Nana Ameyaa; divisional chiefs; and various heads of departments and units.