Committee finds Charles Amissah’s death avoidable, recommends sanctions against three hospitals

The late Charles Amissah

A committee set up by the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of Charles Amissah has presented its findings, concluding that the incident could have been prevented.

The committee, which was tasked in February 2026 to conduct a comprehensive and independent probe into the alleged denial of emergency care to the patient, examined events at the Police Hospital, the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, and the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

After months of investigations, the committee, chaired by Professor Agyemang Badu Akosa, determined that Charles Amissah’s death was avoidable.

According to the report, medical personnel at the Police Hospital, Ridge Hospital, and Korle Bu Teaching Hospital failed to provide timely care despite the patient being in a life threatening condition.

Presenting its findings on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, the committee indicated that pathology results showed Amissah did not die instantly from injuries sustained in the accident but rather from prolonged medical neglect.

“What it means is that if at any of these facilities, there had been medical intervention, Charles Amissah could have survived,” the report stated.

The committee found that the cause of death was excessive blood loss resulting from severe injuries to the right upper arm, which damaged major arteries and veins following the accident.

It further noted that early intervention by the ambulance team, including proper compression and wound management before transportation, could have reduced the bleeding and improved the chances of survival.

The report also cited negligence on the part of seven health professionals across the three facilities, stating that they failed to exercise sound ethical and professional judgment by not attending to the patient promptly.

Among those mentioned are Dr Anne Marie Kudowor of the Police Hospital, Dr Nina Naomi Eyram of Ridge Hospital, Dr Ida Druant and Dr Genevieve Adjar of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, as well as Akosua B Turkson, Joy Daisy Nelson, and Salamatu Alhassan Aidoo.

The committee further indicated that Dr Anne Marie Kudowor was untruthful in her submissions during the inquiry.

It has recommended disciplinary action against the individuals involved, alongside broader reforms aimed at strengthening Ghana’s healthcare system to prevent similar incidents in the future.