The Minister of Health and Member of Parliament for Juaboso, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has criticised former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo over recent comments urging the government to complete the Agenda 111 hospital projects.
The former president had called on the current administration to prioritise the completion and operationalisation of the hospitals, describing the initiative as crucial to improving healthcare delivery across the country.
He made the appeal during a centenary celebration at the Kyebi Government Hospital, stressing the need to ensure that the largely stalled projects are put to use for the benefit of Ghanaians.
Agenda 111, launched under Akufo-Addo’s administration, was designed to construct 111 hospitals nationwide, particularly in underserved districts, to strengthen Ghana’s healthcare system.
The programme was also seen as a response to infrastructure gaps exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, responding to questions from journalists at the Government Accountability Series, Akandoh took a swipe at the former president, questioning his moral authority to call for the completion of the same projects.
According to the minister, the previous administration spent more than GH₵4.8 billion on the initiative without completing and operationalising a single district hospital before leaving office in 2024.
“I wish the former president had not made that comment,” Akandoh said. “He assured Ghanaians that Agenda 111 would be completed before he left office, yet after spending billions, not one facility was fully operational. It is surprising that he is now calling on us to complete the same projects.”
Despite the criticism, the minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to seeing the projects through.
He revealed that President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Health Ministry to complete all inherited infrastructure projects, including Agenda 111.
Akandoh noted that significant groundwork has already been done and assured the public that the government will ensure the facilities are completed and put into use.
He disclosed that the ministry is exploring partnerships with the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG) and private sector players to accelerate the completion, equipping, and management of some of the hospitals.
“We will continue Agenda 111 and ensure every pesewa invested delivers value,” he said.
“This year, we aim to complete about 10 hospitals, and possibly more. We are looking at innovative funding options—where government, CHAG, and the private sector can each play a role in finishing, equipping, and running these facilities.”
The minister added that lessons have been learned from the initial phase of the project, and the current approach will focus on efficiency, sustainability, and timely delivery.
Agenda 111 remains one of Ghana’s most ambitious healthcare infrastructure programmes, and its completion is expected to significantly improve access to quality healthcare, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
By 1960news.com
