Ghanaian broadcaster Bernard Avle has raised serious concerns about the level of empathy within Ghana’s healthcare system following the tragic death of 29-year-old Charles Amissah.
Speaking passionately on Citi FM’s Citi Breakfast Show, Bernard argued that beyond infrastructure challenges and bed shortages, the real crisis confronting the country is a growing lack of empathy among health professionals and public institutions.
According to the broadcaster, medical education goes beyond technical competence; it also demands compassion and a sense of urgency in saving lives. He stressed that no explanation about unavailable beds should override the moral obligation to provide emergency care.
““Pastors always preach this in church every Sunday: if a medical professional receives a patient and does not care that the person dies, they are an evil person. Your training is incomplete if you don’t have empathy because empathy is part of your training,” he stated.
Bernard Avle emphasized that while Ghana continues to debate the so-called “no-bed syndrome,” the deeper issue is the human response to life-threatening situations. He further criticized what he described as societal hypocrisy, noting that Ghana is widely regarded as a religious nation, yet compassion is often absent when it matters most.
According to him, some countries that are less religious have intentionally built systems that prioritize emergency care and prevent avoidable deaths. He also asserted that many professionals enter the medical field motivated more by money than by passion, a problem he believes contributes to the systemic failures seen across the country.
“We have lost empathy,” he said, adding that the country’s systems often frustrate the poor and vulnerable.
The journalist made this point while strongly criticizing three major hospitals in Accra following the death of Charles Amissah, who was allegedly denied emergency medical care after a hit-and-run accident.
Visibly shaken, Bernard condemned what many describe as Ghana’s recurring “no-bed syndrome.” He argued that the continued refusal of emergency treatment on the grounds of unavailable beds is unacceptable and must end.
“Shame on Ridge Hospital, shame on Police Hospital and shame on Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, that someone dies like this and it’s business as usual! This type of things must change. Wear red and declare a day of repentance. You are evil and these things must stop,” he said.
Avle stressed that health officials and administrators must bow their heads in shame and reflect deeply on the value placed on human life, arguing that such incidents reflect a broader systemic failure that continues to cost lives.
