A committee set up to investigate the death of Charles Amissah, a 29-year-old engineer, has concluded that lapses in emergency medical care — rather than the initial road accident — led to his death.
Mr Amissah, who worked with Promasidor Ghana Limited, was knocked down in a hit-and-run incident at the Circle Overpass on February 6, 2026. According to the committee’s findings, he received initial stabilisation from first responders at the scene and was transported for further treatment.
However, what followed was a series of failed attempts to secure urgent medical care.
The report indicates that Mr Amissah was turned away by multiple health facilities, including the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, and the Police Hospital. The committee found that delays in admission and repeated referrals between facilities significantly worsened his condition.
By the time he was eventually attended to at Korle Bu, his condition had deteriorated critically, leading to cardiac arrest. He was later pronounced dead.
Presenting its findings on Wednesday, May 6, the committee noted that none of the facilities involved provided the immediate emergency intervention required at the crucial triage stage. It stressed that prompt action at any point along the referral chain could have altered the outcome.
“The evidence suggests this was not an instant death from trauma but a gradual decline linked to lack of timely care,” the report stated, adding that appropriate intervention could likely have saved his life.
In response to the findings, authorities at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital have interdicted two doctors and two nurses over their alleged roles in the incident. Further investigations are ongoing, with the possibility of additional sanctions.
The case has sparked renewed concern about emergency healthcare delivery in Ghana, particularly the practice of turning away critically ill patients due to capacity challenges or administrative procedures.
Health advocates say the incident underscores the urgent need to strengthen referral systems, improve triage protocols, and ensure that emergency cases receive immediate attention regardless of circumstances.
The committee’s report is expected to inform broader reforms aimed at preventing similar tragedies in the future.
