The Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB) of Ghana is deepening its partnership with the National Ambulance Service to bolster emergency response systems in the event of aviation-related accidents.
At a stakeholder engagement held on May 5, 2025, the Acting Commissioner of AIB Ghana, Mr. John M. K. Wumborti, underscored the importance of integrated collaboration among emergency responders. “We cannot work in isolation,” he stated. “This job requires partnership, and the ambulance service is one of our key collaborators. In the event of an accident, they are the first responders we rely on.”
He explained that the meeting aimed to enhance coordination and preparedness to manage aviation incidents effectively across the country.
Echoing this sentiment, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Ambulance Service, Professor Ahmed N. Zakariah, highlighted the critical role of collaboration in improving emergency outcomes. “Collaboration is crucial, especially for joint training and simulation exercises where we can share ideas and expertise,” he noted.
Professor Zakariah also raised concerns about a significant gap in Ghana’s emergency infrastructure: the lack of an air ambulance system. “When an accident occurs in a remote area, the most viable means of response is by air. Unfortunately, Ghana currently does not have an air ambulance system,” he said. “It is long overdue for us as a country to consider establishing one, particularly with the growth of domestic air travel.”
He cautioned that the absence of air ambulance capability could delay critical interventions during emergencies in hard-to-reach locations or offshore.
Nonetheless, he commended ongoing efforts to improve emergency services and assured that his team remains ready to respond whenever called upon.
Professor Zakariah also acknowledged the challenge of limited land ambulance resources, which continues to strain the system’s capacity to meet growing demands.
Adding his perspective, Mr. Simon Akayiri Nyaaba, Deputy Director for Policy Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (PPME) at the National Ambulance Service, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to Ghana’s broader emergency preparedness framework. “The National Ambulance Service is a vital pillar in the country’s emergency response. We work closely with NADMO, the Police, Fire Service, Ministry of Health, Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, health facilities, and the Ghana Armed Forces,” he said.
He further disclosed that the service operates a three-shift system, ensuring that every crew of at least four personnel provides continuous emergency coverage across the nation.
This strengthened collaboration between AIB Ghana and the National Ambulance Service represents a proactive step toward improving readiness and coordination in responding to aviation emergencies nationwide.d air transport system across the continent.