Afenyo-Markin Urges Bagbin to Summon Korle-Bu, Police, Ridge Hospitals Over Alleged Denial of Care to Hit-and-Run Sufferer

Introduction

A serious allegation of medical negligence has sparked outrage in Ghana, prompting urgent calls for accountability from Parliament. Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has demanded that Speaker Alban Bagbin direct the Health Committee to investigate the alleged refusal of emergency treatment to a hit-and-run victim, Charles Amissah, who later died. This case has raised critical questions about emergency healthcare protocols, hospital responsibilities, and the enforcement of Ghana’s health service directives.

Key Points

Background

On February 6, 2026, Charles Amissah became the victim of a hit-and-run accident. According to reports, he was allegedly denied emergency medical treatment at three major hospitals in Accra: Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Police Hospital, and the Greater Accra Regional Hospital. These allegations have sparked significant public concern, particularly given Ghana’s established healthcare protocols requiring emergency treatment regardless of a patient’s ability to pay or other circumstances.

The 2018 Ghana Health Service directive explicitly mandates that all emergency cases must receive immediate medical attention. This directive was designed to prevent exactly the kind of situation that allegedly occurred in this case. The directive states that hospitals must provide emergency care first and address administrative or financial matters afterward.

Analysis

The Legal and Ethical Framework

Ghana’s healthcare system operates under strict ethical guidelines that prioritize patient welfare, especially in emergency situations. The 2018 Ghana Health Service directive on emergency care represents a critical piece of healthcare policy that hospitals are legally obligated to follow. This directive emerged from years of advocacy to ensure that no patient dies due to administrative barriers or financial concerns in emergency situations.

Potential Breaches of Protocol

If the allegations are proven true, this case could represent multiple violations of established healthcare protocols. First, the denial of emergency treatment itself would constitute a breach of the Ghana Health Service directive. Second, if hospitals failed to maintain proper duty rosters or bed occupancy records, this could indicate systemic issues in hospital administration and accountability.

The Role of Parliamentary Oversight

Afenyo-Markin’s call for parliamentary intervention highlights the crucial role of legislative oversight in healthcare delivery. By requesting that the Health Committee summon hospital executives and emergency unit heads, he is invoking parliamentary powers to ensure transparency and accountability in public healthcare institutions.

The Police Investigation Dimension

The hit-and-run aspect of this case adds another layer of complexity. The failure to apprehend the driver responsible for the initial accident compounds the tragedy and raises questions about law enforcement’s effectiveness in protecting citizens and ensuring justice.

Practical Advice

For Healthcare Institutions

1. **Review Emergency Protocols**: Hospitals should conduct immediate reviews of their emergency care procedures to ensure compliance with Ghana Health Service directives.
2. **Staff Training**: Regular training sessions on emergency care protocols and ethical obligations should be mandatory for all healthcare workers.
3. **Documentation Systems**: Implement robust systems for maintaining accurate duty rosters and bed occupancy records.
4. **Accountability Measures**: Establish clear chains of command and accountability for emergency care decisions.

For Patients and Families

1. **Know Your Rights**: Familiarize yourself with Ghana’s healthcare directives regarding emergency treatment.
2. **Document Everything**: In emergency situations, try to document interactions with hospital staff and any refusals of care.
3. **Seek Legal Counsel**: If you believe you’ve been denied emergency care, consult with legal professionals who specialize in healthcare rights.
4. **Report Incidents**: Report any suspected violations of emergency care protocols to the Ghana Health Service and relevant authorities.

For Policymakers

1. **Strengthen Oversight**: Enhance mechanisms for monitoring hospital compliance with emergency care directives.
2. **Increase Penalties**: Consider implementing stronger penalties for hospitals and individuals who violate emergency care protocols.
3. **Public Awareness**: Launch public awareness campaigns about emergency care rights and hospital obligations.
4. **Resource Allocation**: Ensure hospitals have adequate resources to handle emergency cases without compromising care.

FAQ

Conclusion

The allegations surrounding the death of Charles Amissah represent a critical moment for Ghana’s healthcare system and its commitment to emergency care principles. This case underscores the importance of strict adherence to established healthcare directives and the need for robust oversight mechanisms. Whether the allegations are proven or disproven, the incident has already highlighted potential gaps in emergency care delivery and accountability that require immediate attention.

The parliamentary investigation called for by Afenyo-Markin could serve as a catalyst for meaningful reforms in Ghana’s healthcare system, ensuring that no patient is denied life-saving emergency treatment due to administrative failures or negligence. As this case unfolds, it will be crucial for all stakeholders – hospitals, healthcare workers, policymakers, and the public – to work together to strengthen emergency care protocols and ensure that Ghana’s healthcare system lives up to its ethical and legal obligations.