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A ticking time bomb

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Edward Debrah on the recent case of Aide-De-Camp, Colonel Isaac Amponsah’s collapse in parliament, and how it opened up a debate on Ghana’s need for a national emergency response system

04/04/2025



The incident involving the collapse of the Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to Ghana’s former president, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo, took place on January 3, 2025, during a public event and underscores the critical necessity for a comprehensive national emergency response system.

Although the prompt actions of medical personnel in this case prevented a potentially tragic outcome, the event reveals significant weaknesses within Ghana’s emergency response arrangement.

It is imperative for parliament to take immediate and decisive measures to create a coordinated, adequately equipped, and effective emergency response system capable of swiftly addressing crises, protecting lives, and bolstering national resilience.

The necessity for an integrated emergency response framework

Ghana, akin to many developing countries, encounters considerable deficiencies in emergency preparedness. In situations involving medical emergencies, accidents, natural disasters, or industrial crises, the timeliness of the response is paramount. A mere delay of a few minutes can drastically alter the outcome between life and death. The collapse of the former President’s ADC should serve as a crucial impetus for lawmakers to rectify the systemic flaws in emergency response.

Currently, emergency services in Ghana function in a disjointed manner, lacking sufficient coordination among the Ghana National Fire Service, the National Ambulance Service, the Ghana Police Service, and healthcare institutions. This fragmented approach frequently leads to delayed responses, logistical difficulties, and avoidable loss of life. It is essential for parliament to prioritise the development of legislation and policies that promote a centralised and well-integrated emergency response framework.

Insights from the ADC incident

The rapid response that preserved the life of Colonel Isaac Amponsah highlights the critical need for trained personnel and accessible medical facilities. However, such promptness is not consistently available to the average citizen in Ghana. In rural and not-so-privileged communities, for example, the availability of emergency care is frequently hindered by inadequate infrastructure, insufficient ambulance services, and a shortage of trained first responders. Had a similar emergency arisen in a remote area, the consequences could have been significantly more severe. This incident should motivate lawmakers to prioritise the establishment of policies that enhance emergency response capabilities at a national level.

The experiences of developed countries demonstrate that a well-funded and organised emergency response system can greatly lower mortality rates during medical emergencies and disasters. Ghana must undertake comparable initiatives to guarantee that all citizens, irrespective of their geographical location or socioeconomic status, have access to prompt and effective emergency care.

The role of parliament in enhancing emergency preparedness

To tackle this pressing concern, the parliament of Ghana should undertake the following measures:

  • Enact comprehensive emergency legislation: Parliament should pass laws that establish a national emergency response framework, clearly delineating the roles and responsibilities of all pertinent agencies. This will facilitate effective collaboration during emergencies.
  • Augment funding for emergency services: Sufficient financial resources must be allocated to strengthen the National Ambulance Service, provide training for first responders, and equip healthcare facilities with essential emergency resources.
  • Establish a nationwide emergency communication system: A centralised emergency hotline, akin to 911 in the US, 112 in the EU and 999 in the UK should be fully operational, free to call from any number and accessible to all citizens of Ghana.
  • Expand the emergency response infrastructure: It is essential to establish additional ambulance stations, trauma centres, and emergency medical units, especially in areas that are currently underserved.
  • Promote public awareness and training: Ensuring citizen preparedness is vital. parliament should support the implementation of first aid, basic firefighting and other emergency management training programs in educational institutions, workplaces, and community settings to equip individuals with the skills necessary to effectively manage emergencies prior to the arrival of professional assistance.

In summary, the incident in parliament of Ghana should not be regarded as a singular event but rather as a significant indication of the weaknesses present in Ghana’s emergency response framework. Inadequate emergency management poses serious risks, and parliament bears a moral and national responsibility to guarantee that every Ghanaian, irrespective of their status or location, has access to prompt and life-saving emergency care. Elevating the national emergency response system is not merely a legislative obligation—it is a critical necessity for saving lives. Immediate action is imperative.

 

 

Edward Debrah MIEMA is Double Chartered in Environment & Sustainability; waste and resource manager and an accomplished health and safety executive with 13+ years professional experience across multiple industries including waste management, oil and gas, educational management, professional memberships and independent consultancy.

The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect the position of his employer.