Mahama Cracks Down on ‘No-Bed Syndrome,’ Orders Hospitals to Treat All Emergency Cases
After reported death of 29-year-old accident victim denied admission, John Dramani Mahama directs all health facilities to stop turning away emergency patients, announces new guidelines and hospital expansion plans.
President John Dramani Mahama has issued a firm directive to health facilities nationwide, warning that no emergency patient should be turned away under the excuse of “no beds.”
Delivering his State of the Nation Address in Parliament on Friday, February 27, the President described the persistent “no-bed syndrome” in hospitals as unacceptable and inhumane, stressing that immediate care must be provided regardless of infrastructure constraints.
His directive comes in the wake of the reported death of 29-year-old engineer Charles Amissah, an employee of Promasidor Ghana Limited, who was allegedly denied treatment at three different hospitals following a hit-and-run accident.
Amissah suffered severe shoulder injuries in the February 6, 2026 crash at the Circle Overpass in Accra. Although emergency medical services personnel stabilized him and prepared him for further treatment, he was reportedly refused admission over claims of unavailable beds.
Reacting to the incident, President Mahama made it clear that emergency care is non-negotiable.
“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 declared.
The President revealed that the Ministry of Health will soon roll out new guidelines aimed at eliminating the practice and strengthening accountability within the system.
Beyond immediate directives, he reaffirmed government’s commitment to expanding healthcare infrastructure. He cited the completion of key projects such as the La General Hospital and the maternity block at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital as priorities.
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He further announced that Phase Two of the Greater Accra Regional Hospital project—commonly known as Ridge Hospital—will focus on increasing bed capacity, while work continues on the Police Hospital project and the redevelopment of La General Hospital.
The President’s message was clear: lack of space can no longer be a justification for denying life-saving care.
