Ghana’s No-Bed Crisis: Mahama Reveals Four Hospitals Set for Major Emergency Upgrade

President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to increase emergency bed capacity at four major hospitals across Ghana to at least 10 per cent of their respective functional bed capacities as part of efforts to tackle the persistent No-Bed Syndrome.

Speaking at the 68th Annual General Conference of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) on Friday, November 6, 2026, the President disclosed that expansion works would begin next year at the Accident and Emergency Centres of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Tamale Teaching Hospital and the 37 Military Hospital.

He explained that the expansion programme would involve the recruitment and deployment of additional healthcare professionals, as well as the provision of medical equipment, oxygen and other essential supplies to ensure the facilities operate effectively.

At Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, the proposed intervention is expected to increase emergency bed capacity from the current 65 to at least 150, representing more than a twofold increase.

While preparations for the expansion projects continue, Mahama announced that the Ghana Armed Forces Critical Care and Emergency Hospital would begin receiving patients immediately, providing additional capacity to manage emergency cases.

The President also emphasised the need for hospitals to prioritise the assessment and initial treatment of patients arriving in critical condition, rather than turning them away because of limited bed availability.

He stressed that healthcare facilities unable to provide the required specialised treatment must, at the very least, assess and stabilise patients within their available capacity before arranging transfers to hospitals with the necessary resources.

As part of efforts to improve emergency healthcare delivery, the government has also introduced a pilot Integrated Bed Management and Referral Coordination System involving seven major health facilities and the National Ambulance Service.

The initiative is expected to strengthen communication and coordination among hospitals, improve the management of available beds and facilitate timely referrals for patients requiring emergency medical attention.

Source: https://www.citinewsroom.com/2026/11/no-bed-syndrome-mahama-directs-expansion-of-emergency-beds-at-four-major-hospitals/

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