BY Daniel Bampoe
The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has commenced a month-long nationwide training programme in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) as part of a broader effort to strengthen emergency preparedness among its workforce.
The exercise, which began on September 9, 2025, at the Service’s headquarters in Accra, is being spearheaded by the Institutional Care Division (ICD) and will run until October 8, 2025.
Building Capacity for Emergency Response
The training seeks to equip GHS staff with life-saving skills to respond effectively to critical medical emergencies such as cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, and other sudden life-threatening conditions.
During the first session, participants were introduced to the principles of CPR, including how to recognize early signs of cardiac arrest.
This was followed by two hours of intensive practical drills on chest compressions, rescue breathing, and the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), sudden cardiac arrest accounts for nearly 20% of global deaths annually, with survival rates highly dependent on early intervention through CPR.
Ghana, like many developing countries, faces challenges with timely emergency response, particularly in areas where access to advanced hospital care is limited.
The GHS believes this training will bridge that gap by ensuring its staff can act swiftly in emergencies both within and outside health facilities.
Leadership Calls for Commitment
Speaking at the launch, the Director of the Institutional Care Division, Dr. Lawrence Ofori-Boadu, emphasized the importance of the initiative, urging staff to embrace it as a responsibility.
“Emergency situations can happen anytime and anywhere. Knowing what to do in those first few minutes can save a life,” Dr. Ofori-Boadu said.
He further stressed that CPR skills are not only vital in the line of duty but are equally critical in everyday settings, including at home and in the community.
Health Screening for Staff Wellbeing
In addition to the CPR programme, the GHS has introduced a free medical screening exercise for its headquarters staff.
The screenings, which will run concurrently with the training, cover blood pressure checks, blood glucose testing, body mass index (BMI) measurements, and eye examinations.
This is part of the Service’s ongoing efforts to promote staff wellbeing and reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes, which are on the rise in Ghana.
Scaling Up Nationwide
The GHS has confirmed that this initiative will not be limited to its Accra headquarters.
Plans are underway to replicate the training across all Regional Health Directorates, ensuring that frontline staff nationwide—especially those working outside traditional hospital settings—are equipped with the skills and knowledge to manage emergencies.
The Acting Director-General of the GHS, Dr Samuel Kaba Akoriyea has underscored the exercise as a critical component of the Service’s quality of care agenda, highlighting its dual focus on empowering staff to save lives while also safeguarding their personal health.
National Emergency Response Reminder
Participants were also reminded of the importance of calling Ghana’s national emergency number, 112, in times of crisis.
The Service hopes that alongside the training, increased public awareness of this emergency line will improve response times and outcomes during medical emergencies.
