Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has handed over a renovated and expanded National Ambulance Service (NAS) office in Tongo, Talensi District, Upper East Region, as part of efforts to improve emergency healthcare delivery.
The facility was upgraded through the CRS HOPE-MCH Project, which aims to improve the wellbeing of women, newborns and children by strengthening services at family, community, health facility and health-system levels.
The handover ceremony was attended by representatives of CRS-Ghana, NAS, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Talensi District Assembly, traditional authorities, development partners, the media and other stakeholders.
The Talensi District Assembly said the project was part of support for ambulance infrastructure in six districts. It said the investment was intended not only to improve the office but also to strengthen the systems needed for prompt emergency referrals and transportation, particularly for women, newborns and children in urgent need of medical attention.
The Assembly described the renovated facility as an important addition to the environment from which ambulance operations would be coordinated and delivered. It thanked CRS and its partners for supporting the project.
Talensi’s ambulance had been off the road for more than two years, creating significant difficulties for the district’s emergency response capacity.
In response, the District Assembly mobilised resources beyond its traditional funding sources to buy a new engine and other essential parts required to return the ambulance to service. It also recognised the support of Unity Mining Group in efforts to revive the district’s ambulance service.
The Assembly said the restored ambulance, combined with the renovation of the NAS office, would strengthen emergency healthcare delivery across the district.
MP provides water facilities
The Assembly also praised Talensi Constituency MP Daniel Dung Mahama for supporting the facility by drilling and mechanising a borehole and providing a water tank for the renovated office.
It said reliable water access was essential to the operation and long-term sustainability of any public facility. The intervention, it added, complemented the renovation and highlighted the value of cooperation between the District Assembly, Parliament and development partners.
The Assembly expressed its profound appreciation to CRS for its partnership with the district.
Stakeholders at the ceremony called for continued cooperation between NAS, CRS, the Ghana Health Service, Parliament, traditional authorities and other development partners to further improve emergency healthcare services.
The District Assembly said sustainable development depended on institutions and partners working towards a common purpose and using their respective strengths to address development challenges.
It urged NAS staff to take ownership of the facility and maintain it to the standard for which the investment was made. Staff were also encouraged to use the improved working environment to provide effective and timely emergency services to the people of Talensi.
“The Assembly stated: “Development is not simply about delivering projects; it is about strengthening institutions, improving systems, and creating conditions that enable communities to access essential services with dignity and efficiency,”
The handover marks a significant step in efforts to improve emergency referrals and ambulance services in Talensi, supporting better health outcomes for women, children, families and the wider population.
