President John Dramani Mahama has directed all health facilities across the country not to turn away patients who seek emergency care, warning against the persistent excuse of “no beds” in hospitals.
He made the remarks while delivering the State of the Nation Address (SONA) in Parliament on Friday, February 27.
His comments follow the reported death of 29-year-old engineer Charles Amissah, an employee of Promasidor Ghana Limited, who was allegedly denied treatment at three separate hospitals after a hit-and-run accident over claims that there were no available beds.
Amissah sustained severe shoulder injuries in the February 6, 2026 accident at the Circle Overpass in Accra. He was stabilised by emergency medical services (EMS) personnel and prepared for transfer for further treatment but reportedly could not be admitted.
Reacting to the incident, President Mahama stressed that emergency patients must be received and treated under all circumstances, even if it requires makeshift arrangements.
“Patients facing medical emergencies must be received and given healthcare, even under makeshift conditions. You don’t need to have a comfortable bed before attending to a patient. No patient must be turned away from any health facility they report to,” he stated.
The President described the so-called “no-bed syndrome” as unacceptable and disclosed that the Ministry of Health will issue new guidelines to address the problem.
He reaffirmed government’s commitment to expanding healthcare infrastructure, including completing key projects such as the La General Hospital and the maternity block at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.
In the interim, he said government will expand capacity at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital under Phase Two of the Ridge Hospital project to increase bed numbers.
He added that work will also continue on the Police Hospital project and the La General Hospital redevelopment.