John Mahama announces emergency bed expansion at four major hospitals

President John Mahama has announced a significant expansion of accident and emergency centres at four of Ghana's major hospitals to address the persistent "no-bed syndrome." Speaking at the 68th Annual General Conference of the Ghana Medical Association on November 6, 2026, the President detailed plans to increase emergency bed capacity to at least 10% of each facility's total functional capacity. The targeted institutions include Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Tamale Teaching Hospital, and the 37 Military Hospital.

As part of the expansion scheduled to begin next year, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital will see its emergency bed count rise from 65 to at least 150. To provide immediate relief while construction progresses, President Mahama directed that the Ghana Armed Forces Critical Care and Emergency Hospital be opened to the general public. He emphasized a strict policy that no patient in critical condition should be turned away without a full assessment and proper care, regardless of current bed availability at any specific facility.

The government is also rolling out a digital Integrated Bed Management and Referral Coordination System to optimize hospital usage and streamline patient transfers. Currently being piloted in major facilities, this system aims to provide real-time data on bed availability across the healthcare network. The President noted that the infrastructure expansion would be supported by the recruitment of additional medical personnel and the provision of essential supplies and equipment, alongside improvements to 24-hour diagnostic services at the teaching hospitals.

This initiative represents a comprehensive approach to reform emergency healthcare delivery in Ghana. By combining infrastructure growth with digital coordination and increased staffing, the administration seeks to eliminate the delays and service refusals that have historically plagued the nation's referral system. President Mahama’s directive underscores a shift toward mandatory emergency assessment, ensuring that the health system prioritizes immediate stabilization for those in life-threatening situations.