NSA takes on the national ambulance service

The National Sports Authority (NSA), has complained about what it says is the reluctance of the National Ambulance Service (NAS), to provide services at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium during sporting events.

Ewuntomah Richard Iddrisu, Ashanti Regional Director of Sports, said they found the situation quite disturbing considering the fact that accidents could not be completely divorced from sports.

He said it was for this reason that the emergency service provider could have no excuse to stay away from football matches, tennis, athletes, boxing and other sporting competitions.

The NAS had since November, last year, refused to send ambulances to respond to emergencies at the Stadium, insisting that, its services would only be available after some specific demands had been met.

Iddrisu showed to the GNA Sports, a copy of a letter written and signed by the Ashanti Regional Coordinator, Dr. Andah Nacauley, listing these demands - fuel, per diem, gloves, gauze bandage and pack, plaster, food and water.

The Sports Director dismissed this as ridiculous, pointing out that, the NAS has a duty to provide essential services at all sporting events at the Stadium.

“They are by law supposed to release ambulances unconditionally to provide services at the stadia, particularly at the Baba Yara and Accra Stadia.”

He said this was why the authority had provided bays at the two Stadia purposely for the ambulance services.

Iddrisu said the NSA had informed the national security and management of Asante Kotoko of the development and asked that alternative arrangements for ambulance services be made during the coming events.