Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has announced that he will personally chair a committee set up to investigate the recent “No Bed Syndrome” case that resulted in the death of a patient after reportedly being turned away from several hospitals.
Speaking on Accra-based Citi FM, the Minister said the committee is expected to begin work on Monday, February 16, to establish the facts surrounding the incident and determine what went wrong.
“I was devastated when I heard that somebody had lost his life through this ordeal. We are going to investigate this matter. By Monday, the committee should be in action, and I am going to chair it myself. We will invite all interested parties and get to the bottom of the matter,” he stated.
Mr. Akandoh explained that while the “No Bed Syndrome” remains a longstanding challenge within the health system, it would be premature to assign blame without a full investigation. He stressed the importance of gathering all relevant information before deciding on any corrective action.
Beyond the probe, the Minister disclosed plans to introduce a centralised call centre that will track bed availability in hospitals across the country.
According to him, the system will provide real-time information on vacant beds and help direct patients to facilities with available capacity as part of wider reforms aimed at improving emergency care.
The investigation follows the death of 29-year-old engineer Charles Amissah, who was involved in a hit-and-run accident at the Nkrumah Circle Overpass on February 6, 2026.
Reports indicate that although emergency medical technicians from the National Ambulance Service stabilised him, he was allegedly denied admission at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Ridge Hospital, and the Police Hospital due to the lack of available beds.
After spending nearly three hours being moved between facilities, he later died.
The incident has reignited concerns over emergency healthcare delivery in Ghana, with many calling for urgent reforms to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
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