Ambulance Teams in Western North to Get a Seat at the Security Table
The ambulance service in Ghana has just secured a significant victory, particularly in the Western North Region. After years of doing the heavy lifting during emergencies, the National Ambulance Service (NAS) is finally being brought into the inner circle of local security planning. That’s right, they’ll soon have a voice at the table with the Regional, Municipal, and District Security Councils, also known as RESEC, MUNSEC, and DISEC.
This update follows a courtesy visit by NAS officials to Hon. Wilbert Petty Bentum, the Western North Regional Minister, in Sefwi Wiawso. The conversation, which started off as a routine check-in, ended up setting the stage for a new era of collaboration.
Ambulance Operations in Western North See 30% Surge in 2024
The NAS team didn’t come empty-handed. They brought data, and plenty of it. PAEMT Francis Nkebi Annan, who handles admin duties for the region, revealed that emergency responses have jumped by 30% this year compared to 2023. “We’re doing more than ever,” he shared, adding that all nine Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) now have full coverage, thanks to the 10 operational ambulance stations scattered across the region.
The visit was introduced by AEMT Jacob Tetteh, the Regional PRO, who emphasized the team's commitment to swift and efficient service. But beyond the statistics, the team had a bigger ask, one they’ve been hoping to see answered for a while.
So... Why Hasn’t the Ambulance Service Been on the Security Councils?
That’s the question PAEMT Annan gently (but firmly) posed during the meeting. Despite responding to accidents, disasters, and health emergencies, all of which often have security implications, NAS hasn’t had any formal representation on RESEC, MUNSEC, or DISEC.
And that’s been a problem.
When we're not in the room where critical security decisions are made, it affects how quickly and effectively we can respond,” Annan explained. Emergencies are chaotic enough. We need to coordinate in real time, not play catch-up.
He gave a special shout-out to the Aowin Municipal Assembly for their outstanding support and encouraged other local bodies to follow suit.
Emergency care isn’t just about the sirens and stretchers, it’s about communication, trust, and teamwork.
National Ambulance Service to Be Co-opted into Security Structures – Minister Assures
In response, Minister Bentum didn’t mince words. He praised the ambulance crews for their tireless efforts, often under tough conditions, and agreed that NAS needs to be more involved.
The work you’re doing out there is heroic,” he said. “You’ve got our full support.” He promised that from here on out, NAS would be formally included in RESEC, MUNSEC, and DISEC meetings and operations.
To the Minister, this isn’t just a policy adjustment, it’s common sense. Bringing ambulance professionals into regional security discussions isn’t just helpful, it’s necessary for effective disaster planning and response.
A New Chapter for Emergency Medical Coordination in Western North
This move signals a bigger shift in how Ghana approaches emergency medical services. For too long, paramedics and ambulance teams have been seen as responders, the people you call after things go wrong. But now, with a place in strategic discussions, they’re being recognized as planners and decision-makers too.
Residents across the Western North Region can expect better, faster responses during emergencies, especially in remote or high-risk areas. And with NAS officially part of the security framework, coordination during disasters, traffic incidents, or health crises should improve significantly.
Looking Ahead
Let’s face it: emergencies don’t wait for committee meetings. They happen fast, and they demand a team that’s already on the same page. By integrating the National Ambulance Service into local and regional security councils, Ghana is taking a smart step toward a more connected, responsive emergency system.
For the folks on the ground, from paramedics to everyday citizens, that’s a big deal.
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