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Catholic Relief Services Donates 10 Bikes to Ghana’s National Ambulance Service – Life Pulse Daily

Introduction

In a move that strengthens emergency health care in the northern part of Ghana, Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has handed over ten bicycles to the National Ambulance Service (NAS). The donation is part of CRS’s Holistic Opportunities for Positive Engagement in Maternal and Child Health (HOPE‑MCH) project, a multi‑year partnership aimed at reducing maternal and neonatal mortality in hard‑to‑reach communities.

This article unpacks the background of the donation, analyses its potential impact on health outcomes, and offers practical guidance for NGOs, health officials, and community leaders who seek to replicate similar interventions.

Analysis

Why bicycles matter in emergency health care

In the Northern Region of Ghana, many rural villages are linked by unpaved roads that become virtually impassable during the rainy season. Conventional motor‑vehicle ambulances often cannot reach these settlements in time, leading to critical delays for pregnant women in labour or children with severe infections. Bicycles, on the other hand, can navigate narrow tracks, require no fuel, and are inexpensive to maintain, making them an ideal “last‑mile” transport solution.

CRS’s previous contributions

Before this latest donation, CRS equipped NAS and the Ghana Health Service with 20 modified motor‑tricycle ambulances (MMTAs) and a separate fleet of bicycles. Those assets have already demonstrated measurable reductions in response times in pilot districts, laying the groundwork for the current rollout.

Strategic fit within the HOPE‑MCH project

The HOPE‑MCH initiative, funded by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑Day Saints, carries a budget of GH₵6 million. It focuses on four pillars:

• Strengthening referral chains for maternal and child health.
• Building two new Emergency Dispatch Centres.
• Renovating 29 health facilities across the target districts.
• Providing community‑level transport assets, such as the ten bicycles now delivered to NAS.

By integrating the bicycles into NAS’s existing emergency response framework, CRS aims to close gaps in “time‑sensitive” care—a critical factor when the difference between life and death can be measured in minutes.

Summary

The donation of ten bicycles to the National Ambulance Service is a targeted, low‑cost intervention designed to improve emergency response times in Ghana’s Northern Region. It complements earlier CRS contributions of motor‑tricycle ambulances and aligns with the broader HOPE‑MCH objectives of reducing maternal and neonatal deaths, strengthening referral networks, and enhancing community outreach.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For NGOs planning similar donations

1. Conduct a terrain assessment: Map out roads, seasonal barriers, and distances to health facilities.
2. Choose durable, locally‑maintainable equipment: Bicycles with reinforced frames, puncture‑resistant tires, and simple gear systems are ideal.
3. Integrate with existing emergency systems: Coordinate with national ambulance services to ensure the new assets are logged, dispatched, and tracked.
4. Establish clear accountability mechanisms: Draft memoranda of understanding (MOUs) that specify maintenance responsibilities and reporting procedures.
5. Provide training: Offer hands‑on instruction for ambulance staff and community health volunteers on safe riding, basic bike maintenance, and emergency triage.

For health officials in Ghana

• Update dispatch protocols to include bicycle units as a “first‑response” option in remote villages.
• Set up a simple logbook or digital tracker for each bike, noting mileage, repairs, and usage patterns.
• Collaborate with local leaders to create community‑based emergency transport committees that can mobilise volunteers when needed.

Points of Caution

While bicycles are a cost‑effective solution, they are not a replacement for fully equipped ambulances in cases requiring advanced life‑support equipment. Stakeholders should be mindful of the following risks:

• Weather‑related limitations: Heavy rain can render even the best‑maintained bicycle unsafe.
• Security concerns: Stolen or vandalised bicycles undermine program sustainability.
• Training gaps: Without proper instruction, staff may misuse the bikes, leading to accidents or delayed referrals.
• Maintenance burden: Regular servicing is required; failure to allocate budget for spare parts can render the assets unusable.

Comparison

Bicycles vs. Motor‑Tricycle Ambulances

Both assets are complementary: bicycles excel at rapid community outreach and initial triage, whereas MMTAs are essential for transporting critically ill patients to higher‑level facilities.

Legal Implications

In Ghana, the provision of emergency medical transport is regulated by the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service. Key legal considerations include:

1. Licensing: All ambulance personnel must hold a valid emergency medical technician (EMT) certification. Bicycle riders designated for emergency response should receive a comparable, albeit simplified, certification.
2. Liability insurance: The National Ambulance Service is required to maintain public liability coverage that extends to any vehicle used in official duties, including bicycles.
3. Donor agreements: MOUs between CRS and NAS must specify the ownership of the bikes, usage restrictions, and audit rights to ensure compliance with Ghanaian procurement and anti‑corruption statutes.

Failure to adhere to these legal frameworks could expose NAS to civil liability or jeopardise future donor funding.

Conclusion

The ten‑bike donation from Catholic Relief Services represents a strategic, evidence‑based intervention that addresses a critical gap in Ghana’s emergency health system. By enabling faster community‑level response, the bicycles help to reduce preventable maternal and neonatal deaths in the Northern Region. When combined with existing motor‑tricycle ambulances, upgraded health facilities, and robust dispatch centres, the initiative offers a scalable model for other low‑resource settings facing similar geographic challenges.

FAQ

Sources

1. Catholic Relief Services press release, 9 October 2025 – “CRS donates 10 bikes to National Ambulance Service under HOPE‑MCH Project.”
2. National Ambulance Service annual report 2024‑2025 – Section on equipment acquisitions and emergency response metrics.
3. Ghana Health Service, “Maternal and Neonatal Mortality in the Northern Region” (2023).
4. Ministry of Health, Ghana – Guidelines on Emergency Medical Transport (2022).
5. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑Day Saints, “HOPE‑MCH Project Funding Overview” (2024).

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