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0 The Deputy Minister of Health, Prof. Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, has assured Ghanaians that the government is fully committed to tackling the persistent “no bed syndrome” in public hospitals by upgrading healthcare facilities nationwide.
Her assurance follows the tragic death of 29-year-old engineer Charles Amissah, who reportedly died after being turned away from three major hospitals in Accra — the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge), Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, and the Police Hospital — due to a lack of available beds following a hit-and-run accident on February 6, 2026.
Responding to a statement by the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, on the floor of Parliament, the Deputy Minister extended her heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, loved ones of the deceased, and the entire nation.
“Mr Speaker, the death of any Ghanaian in this circumstance is unfortunate, and I would like to take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and the loved ones of the deceased, as well as to the entire nation,” she stated.
Dr Ayensu-Danquah, who is also a trained trauma surgeon and consultant, described the incident as a “never event” in medical terms — an occurrence that should never happen under any circumstances.
“Mr Speaker, I am the Deputy Minister of Health and also a traumatologist; in other words, I am trained as a trauma surgeon specialist and consultant. Mr Speaker, the events that led to this unfortunate incident and the demise of the gentleman are tragic and should not happen. Mr Speaker, in surgery, we call this a never-event. Mr Speaker, a never-event is an event that should never happen,” she emphasised.
She stressed that no human being should die in the manner Charles Amissah did, adding that the Ministry of Health and government are collaborating with all relevant agencies to thoroughly investigate the matter and prevent future occurrences.
The Deputy Minister further assured Parliament that “the no bed syndrome” will soon be a thing of the past, as the government remains committed to upgrading healthcare infrastructure and emergency services across the country to ensure timely and adequate care for all citizens.
