Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah, the Deputy Minister of Health
The Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah, has described the recent death of a 29-year-old engineer who was allegedly turned away from three major hospitals in Accra as a “never event” that should not have happened.
Responding to a statement by the Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin on February 24, 2026, Dr Ayensu-Danquah extended her condolences to the bereaved family and the nation.
“The death of any Ghanaian in this matter is unfortunate. I would like to use this opportunity to extend my heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased and also to the entire nation,” she said.
She stressed that the circumstances leading to the young man’s death were tragic and unacceptable.
“Mr Speaker, the event that led to this unfortunate incident and demise of the gentleman is tragic and should not happen. In surgery, we call this a ‘never event’ an event that should never happen. Under no circumstance should a human being die this way,” she stated.
Korle Bu interdicts two doctors, two nurses
Her comments follow the 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 after he was involved in a hit-and-run accident on February 6, 2026.
The case has reignited public debate about Ghana’s persistent “no bed syndrome,” a situation where patients are unable to access hospital admission due to bed shortages.
Dr Ayensu-Danquah assured Parliament that the government remains committed to addressing the issue by upgrading healthcare infrastructure and strengthening emergency services nationwide to ensure timely and adequate care for all citizens.
ID/AM
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