A three-member committee investigating the death of Charles Amissah has submitted its findings to Ghana’s Minister of Health, concluding that Amissah’s death from excessive blood loss following a road accident was preventable with timely medical intervention. The committee was tasked with a comprehensive review of the circumstances surrounding his death, including allegations of denied emergency care at the Police Hospital, Greater Accra Regional Hospital, and Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
Investigation Scope and Methodology
Chaired by Agyeman Badu Akosa, the committee meticulously examined national policies, legal frameworks, and emergency care protocols. Their review encompassed key documents such as the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, the Patients’ Charter, and guidelines for accident and emergency services. To gain a practical understanding of the emergency response, the team conducted site visits to critical locations, including the accident scene at the Circle overhead, ambulance bays, and the emergency units of several hospitals.
These site visits were crucial for virtually tracing the emergency procedures and identifying potential systemic issues. The committee aimed to understand the flow of care and pinpoint any breakdowns in the process that may have contributed to the tragic outcome.
Findings: A Case of Medical Neglect
The postmortem examination revealed that Charles Amissah suffered a deep laceration injury leading to severe blood loss. Professor Akosa stated that the pathology confirmed a slow death resulting from medical neglect, rather than the initial trauma from the accident. Crucially, the committee found that Amissah was alive when taken to multiple health facilities.
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