The Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has donated 10 motorcycles to the National Ambulance Service (NAS) under its Holistic Opportunities for Positive Engagement in Maternal and Child Health (HOPE-MCH) Project.

This forms part of CRS’s ongoing efforts to strengthen emergency healthcare delivery in Northern Ghana.

In previous interventions, CRS had donated 20 modified motor-tricycle ambulances (MMTAs) and other motorcycles to the NAS and the Ghana Health Service to enhance emergency response in remote communities.

The Northern Region is faced with poor road networks, many of which become impassable during the rainy season.

This often causes delays in transporting patients in emergency situations, delays that, in some cases, lead to preventable deaths. It is against this backdrop that CRS donated to help reduce maternal mortality and improve healthcare outcomes for mothers, newborns, and children.

Speaking at the handing-over ceremony in Tamale, Country Director of CRS, Abena Amedormey, said the motorcycles will support NAS in community mobilisation, on-site coaching and mentoring, and coordination with community emergency transport committees to minimise delays in emergency response.

She stressed the urgency of timely interventions, noting that “a pregnant woman in labour or a sick newborn cannot wait hours for transport or support. The availability of timely emergency response and referrals can mean the difference between life and death.”

Ms. Amedormey highlighted that delays in accessing healthcare are among the leading causes of maternal and neonatal deaths in Ghana, particularly in rural areas.

She explained that the motorcycles are not just a mode of transport but essential tools for outreach and engagement with communities to ensure that health services extend beyond hospital facilities.

According to her, CRS’s partnership with the NAS under the HOPE-MCH Project has already yielded significant results.

“Our recent GH¢6 million agreement with NAS to implement key activities across our target districts underscores our commitment to strengthening the maternal and child health referral chain in Northern Ghana. The project has established two additional Emergency Dispatch Centres and invested in health infrastructure, including the renovation of 29 health facilities,” she said.

Ms. Amedormey added that CRS is putting in place user agreements with each recipient district and region to ensure accountability, proper maintenance, and responsible use of the motorcycles.

Delivering a speech on behalf of the CEO of the National Ambulance Service, Deputy CEO Dr. Patrick Inkoom expressed appreciation to CRS for the donation.

He said, “These motorcycles will significantly improve our operations and enhance our ability to deliver timely and efficient emergency services.”

The HOPE-MCH Project, funded by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, aligns with Ghana’s mission of achieving universal health coverage, particularly for people living in hard-to-reach and underserved communities.