The National Ambulance Service (NAS) of Ghana has ushered in a new era of leadership with the appointment of Dr. George Kojo Owusu as Acting Chief Executive Officer. This appointment, effective immediately, follows the dismissal of the former CEO, Dr. Nuhu Zakaria, and is grounded in the legal framework established by Article 195(1) of the 1992 Constitution and Section 18(1) of the National Ambulance Service Act, 2020 (Act 1041). Dr. Owusu’s selection, announced officially on July 11, 2025, signals a strategic move towards modernizing and strengthening the nation’s emergency medical services. The NAS has expressed immense confidence in Dr. Owusu’s ability to steer the agency toward achieving its goals, particularly in enhancing service delivery and expanding coverage nationwide.
Dr. Owusu brings to the NAS a wealth of experience and expertise garnered over two decades of dedicated service in emergency medical care. A distinguished Emergency Physician Specialist and chartered administrator, his qualifications extend beyond clinical practice. He holds a Master of Arts in Health Law and Ethics from the University of Ghana School of Law, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the legal and ethical dimensions of healthcare. This multi-faceted background, encompassing clinical, academic, and administrative roles, positions him uniquely to lead the NAS into a new phase of development. His previous role as Medical Director of Health Services at Takoradi Technical University, where he championed initiatives to elevate healthcare delivery and emergency preparedness, further underscores his leadership capabilities and commitment to improving emergency response systems.
The timing of Dr. Owusu’s appointment is particularly significant. The NAS stands at a critical juncture, facing the challenge of modernizing its operations and expanding its reach to ensure timely and effective emergency medical services across all regions of Ghana. Dr. Owusu’s mandate encompasses a broad range of responsibilities, from spearheading institutional growth and implementing strategic reforms to aligning the service with international best practices in pre-hospital care. This includes scaling up operations to meet the growing demands for emergency medical services and ensuring that the NAS is equipped to respond effectively to various emergencies. His experience and expertise will be instrumental in navigating the complexities of this undertaking.
The NAS has expressed optimism that Dr. Owusu’s leadership will usher in a period of transformation and enhanced performance. His appointment is seen as a catalyst for innovation and improved emergency response times nationwide, vital components in strengthening the country’s healthcare system. The emphasis on aligning the NAS with international best practices indicates a commitment to meeting global standards in pre-hospital care and ensuring that Ghanaian citizens receive the highest quality emergency medical services. This move towards modernization is expected to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the NAS, ultimately leading to better outcomes for patients.
The management and staff of the NAS have extended their full support to Dr. Owusu, recognizing his leadership potential and the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving the organization’s objectives. This unified approach signifies a collective commitment to ensuring a smooth transition and facilitating the implementation of Dr. Owusu’s vision for the NAS. Their endorsement further emphasizes the belief that his leadership will be instrumental in guiding the agency towards achieving its goals and fulfilling its mandate as the nation’s frontline emergency response institution.
Dr. Owusu’s appointment marks a significant step forward for the NAS. His extensive experience, coupled with his commitment to innovation and reform, promises a new chapter for the organization. As he assumes leadership, the focus remains on modernization, expanded coverage, and improved emergency response times. With the full support of the NAS team, Dr. Owusu is poised to steer the agency towards becoming a leading force in pre-hospital care, ensuring that all citizens of Ghana have access to timely and effective emergency medical services.
