“He Was the Backbone of the House” – Sister of Hit-and-Run Victim Speaks Out After Tragic Loss

Introduction

The heartbreaking death of 29-year-old engineer Charles Amissah has sent shockwaves through Ghana, exposing critical flaws in the nation’s healthcare system. His sister, Dr. Matilda Amissah, has bravely shared their family’s devastating story, calling for urgent reforms while honoring her brother’s memory. This tragedy highlights the urgent need for systemic changes in emergency medical care across Ghana.

Key Points

Background

Charles Amissah was a promising young engineer working with Promasidor Ghana Limited when tragedy struck on February 6, 2026. While traveling across the Circle Overpass in Accra, he became the victim of a hit-and-run accident that left him with severe shoulder injuries. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel stabilized him at the scene and prepared him for transfer to a hospital for further treatment.

What followed was a harrowing ordeal that would ultimately cost Charles his life. Despite EMS efforts to secure immediate medical attention, Charles was unable to gain admission at three different facilities: the Police Hospital, Ridge Hospital, and finally Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. The common reason cited was a lack of available beds.

Analysis

The circumstances surrounding Charles Amissah’s death reveal systemic failures that extend far beyond a single tragic incident. Healthcare professionals and patient advocates have long warned about the fragility of Ghana’s emergency medical infrastructure, and this case brings those concerns into sharp focus.

Dr. Matilda Amissah, speaking from both a personal and professional perspective, emphasized that her brother’s death was preventable. “Three hours, and no one could help him,” she recounted, her voice heavy with emotion. This timeline is particularly troubling, as medical experts agree that rapid intervention is crucial for trauma patients.

The interdiction of two doctors and two nurses at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, while a step toward accountability, does little to address the root causes of this tragedy. Dr. Amissah herself acknowledged that while disciplinary action may be warranted, it cannot bring her brother back. The real issue lies in the systemic inadequacies that allowed this situation to unfold.

Practical Advice

For families navigating Ghana’s healthcare system during emergencies, several proactive steps can help mitigate risks:

First, always have a predetermined emergency plan that includes knowledge of the nearest well-equipped hospitals and their typical bed availability. Second, consider joining or forming community health advocacy groups that can collectively push for systemic improvements. Third, maintain comprehensive health insurance coverage that includes emergency evacuation services to facilities outside your immediate area when necessary.

Healthcare professionals should also prioritize strengthening triage protocols. As Dr. Amissah emphasized, “It’s all about confidence in triage. If the triage system is strong enough, doctors can intervene and give first aid immediately.” Proper triage can make the difference between life and death in emergency situations.

FAQ

Conclusion

The tragic death of Charles Amissah serves as a painful reminder of the urgent need for healthcare reform in Ghana. His sister’s courageous decision to speak out transforms personal grief into a powerful call for systemic change. As preparations continue for Charles’s funeral, his family’s hope is that his story will catalyze meaningful improvements in emergency medical care, ensuring that no other family must endure the heartbreak of losing a loved one to systemic failures. Charles may be gone, but his legacy as the “backbone of the house” lives on through the urgent reforms his story demands.