By: Nadia Ntiamoah
President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Dr. George Kojo Owusu as the new Acting Chief Executive Officer of the National Ambulance Service (NAS), replacing Prof. Ahmed Nuhu Zakaria, who has been relieved of his post.
Dr George Kojo Owusu
The change takes effect in accordance with Article 195(1) of the 1992 Constitution and Section 18(1) of the National Ambulance Service Act, 2020 (Act 1041).
The announcement, released by the NAS Public Relations Unit on Friday, July 11, 2025, did not detail the reasons for Prof. Zakaria’s removal, but the tone of the statement suggests a renewed direction in the strategic management of the Service.
Prof Zakaria, who is believed to be the cousin of President Mahama was first appointed by President John Agyekum Kufuor as the foundation CEO of NAS and maintained during the Mills/Mahama administration.
Despite his foray into mainstream contesting the Bole Bamboi parliamentary seat on the ticket of the NDC in 2016, but lost to the incumbent MP, the Akufo-Addo administration retained as well as his wife, Dr Afisah Zakaria as the Chief Director for the Gender and Social Protection Ministry.
Prof Zakaria, an emergency specialist, successor, Dr. George Kojo Owusu steps into his new role with a solid background in emergency medicine and health administration.
A seasoned Emergency Physician Specialist, Dr. Owusu has over two decades of experience working across Ghana’s healthcare system and academia.
He holds a Master of Arts in Health Law and Ethics from the University of Ghana School of Law and is widely respected for his dual clinical and policy expertise.
Until his appointment, he served as Medical Director of Health Services at Takoradi Technical University.
During his tenure there, he was credited with significantly improving emergency preparedness, institutional health infrastructure, and staff capacity building—an achievement that likely influenced his elevation to the national role.
A Pivotal Moment for NAS
The appointment comes at a crucial time for the National Ambulance Service, which has faced criticisms in recent years over delayed response times, limited coverage in rural areas, and under-resourced equipment.
According to a statement signed by Simmons Yussif Kewura, Deputy Director of Public Relations at NAS, Dr. Owusu is expected to lead reforms to address these challenges.
“The National Ambulance Service welcomes Dr. Owusu’s appointment and expresses confidence in his leadership to drive innovation, institutional growth, and strategic reforms aimed at improving service delivery across all regions,” the release noted.
With government intent on expanding healthcare infrastructure, particularly emergency response systems under its “Rescue Agenda,” Dr. Owusu’s leadership will be vital in aligning NAS operations with international standards.
His mandate includes modernizing operations, enhancing data systems, strengthening regional command centers, and improving public trust in pre-hospital emergency care.
Political Implications and Sector Reforms
While the appointment has been welcomed by NAS staff and medical observers, the quiet dismissal of Dr. Zakaria has sparked speculation in political and civil society circles.
Dr. Zakaria, who has led NAS through both the Kufuor, Mahama and Akufo-Addo administrations, was seen as a steady hand during Ghana’s COVID-19 response and the expansion of ambulance fleets under the previous government.
