Togbe Kwasinyi Kakaklolo Agyeman V, the Dufia of Mafi Adidome, has fully financed the repair and return to service of the Central Tongu Constituency ambulance. This critical vehicle had been out of operation for several months due to mechanical challenges. The intervention significantly enhances emergency healthcare delivery for residents in the area.
The ambulance was formally handed over to Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) at a ceremony on Friday at the Old District Assembly grounds in Adidome. Togbe Kwasinyi Kakaklolo, alongside Mama Drapey III, the Queenmother of Mafi Adidome, and the Council of Elders of the TOH/TOVIE Clan, spearheaded this effort. The repairs included replacing faulty injectors, which had rendered the vehicle unusable.
This initiative aligns with broader trends of traditional authorities stepping in to address community needs where government resources are stretched. Ghana's healthcare system often faces challenges, and local leaders frequently play a crucial role in bridging service gaps. The National Ambulance Service, for instance, has reported that 127 of its 318 ambulances are grounded due to an aging fleet, highlighting the need for such community support.
Speaking at the ceremony, Togbe Kwasinyi Kakaklolo stated that the decision was driven by the traditional authority’s commitment to safeguarding the health and safety of residents. He emphasized that ambulance services are vital for connecting emergency situations with timely medical care, which can save lives. “As chiefs, we are fathers and mothers of our communities, and the wellbeing of our people, especially their health, remains our primary concern,” he said.
The restoration of this ambulance is expected to strengthen emergency medical response in Central Tongu. It will improve access to timely pre-hospital care for residents across the constituency. Decision-makers and communities will likely observe the impact of this local initiative on health outcomes.
Togbe Kakaklolo explained that while traditional authorities may not always have unlimited resources, effective leadership and community mobilization can address critical development challenges. He noted that health and education are key priority areas for the Mafi Traditional Area. The traditional council has supported health facilities through various interventions, including providing logistics and other essential resources. The Chief also disclosed that the traditional authority supports ongoing initiatives at the Adidome Government Hospital, including renovation works.
Mr. Bright Kingsley Manu, the Volta Regional Administrative Manager of the Ghana National Ambulance Service, expressed gratitude for the intervention. He confirmed that replacing the faulty injectors restored the ambulance to operational status after a prolonged period of inactivity. Mr. Manu highlighted operational challenges, including the “no bed syndrome,” poor road networks, and the high cost of maintaining ambulance fleets. He appealed to traditional leaders nationwide to emulate Togbe Kakaklolo’s gesture, noting that collective efforts are essential for sustaining emergency medical response systems.