The National Ambulance Service (NAS) has responded to widespread media reports and circulating videos concerning an incident involving its ambulance crew from the Atiwa West District and some members of the public at the Enyiresi Government Hospital.

In an official statement released on August 2, the NAS expressed concern over the public misrepresentation of events and reaffirmed its commitment to delivering professional emergency medical services to all Ghanaians.

The incident began in the early evening when the Regional Control Room dispatched an ambulance from the Atiwa West District to transfer a critically ill 17-year-old female patient to the Enyiresi Government Hospital. The patient was on oxygen and under continuous monitoring throughout the journey.

Upon arrival at approximately 6:31 p.m., the ambulance crew was informed by hospital authorities that no beds were immediately available. The team was instructed to remain on standby while alternative arrangements were made.

Whilst waiting to hand over the patient, the crew was approached by relatives of another patient injured in a road traffic accident who demanded the ambulance be used to transport their relative to the Koforidua Regional Hospital.

The NAS crew, maintaining professional composure, explained that the ambulance was currently engaged in a critical transfer and that no new instructions had been received from the hospital or the Regional Control Room to take on an additional patient.

Despite this explanation, the aggrieved individuals began filming the crew and ambulance. These videos have since been widely circulated online, often without adequate explanation or background.

The NAS has commended the Atiwa West crew for their professionalism during the incident, noting that their actions were fully aligned with established emergency medical protocols.

“The safety and well-being of the patient in their care remained their utmost priority,” the statement noted.

The Service used the opportunity to urge the public to avoid interfering with emergency operations. It also encouraged citizens to direct any grievances or concerns through appropriate and official channels.

“Public interference and the spread of misinformation do not only compromise patient care but also delay emergency response,” the statement emphasised.

The National Ambulance Service reiterated its commitment to delivering timely, compassionate, and professional pre-hospital medical care across the country.

It called on Ghanaians to support emergency responders in their efforts, particularly in high-pressure situations that demand focus and adherence to medical protocol.