According to the Information Minister, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, a total of 88 hospitals are currently under construction as part of the government’s Agenda 111 program.
During a recent press briefing, Mr. Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah provided updates on the progress of the Agenda 111 program. The program, which was launched two years ago in Trede, Ashanti Region, aims to construct 111 health facilities across the country.
The 88 hospitals are grouped into eight zones, with a total of 54 projects. So far, 33 construction sites have been visited to assess their status. The minister emphasized the significance of showcasing the progress made in Trede, where the project was first initiated. He noted that the construction efforts are ongoing, with various hospitals at different stages of completion.
Mr. Oppong-Nkrumah acknowledged that while the majority of the hospitals are progressing well, there are a few sites that are behind schedule. To address this, the government has made the decision to terminate the construction of those hospitals that are significantly delayed. This action aims to ensure that the projects are completed efficiently and in a timely manner.
During the launch of the Agenda 111 program in August 2021, President Akufo-Addo had expressed his commitment to completing the work within 18 months. However, the government has faced challenges, including the acquisition of suitable land for construction, among other factors, which have contributed to delays in the implementation of the program.
Nonetheless, the government remains resolute in its determination to fulfill its promise of providing quality healthcare facilities to the citizens before the end of President Akufo-Addo’s second term.
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To alleviate concerns about the government’s commitment to the projects, Dr. Anthony Nsiah Asare, the Presidential Advisor on health, assured the press that sufficient funding is available for the completion of the Agenda 111 program. The government secured a start-up fund of US$100 million through the Ghana Investment Infrastructure Fund (GIIF) to initiate the construction of district, specialized, and regional hospitals across the country.
This funding ensures that the necessary resources are in place to support the ongoing construction efforts and facilitate the timely completion of all the hospitals under the program.
Overall, the government’s Agenda 111 program aims to address the healthcare needs of the population by constructing and equipping modern health facilities across Ghana. While challenges have arisen during the implementation, the government remains committed to its vision of improving access to quality healthcare services and is taking necessary measures to ensure the successful completion of the Agenda 111 hospitals within the designated timeframe.
During the press briefing, Dr. Anthony Nsiah Asare, the Presidential Advisor on health, emphasized the numerous benefits associated with the Agenda 111 program. One significant advantage is the establishment of additional health facilities across Ghana. The construction of these hospitals will expand access to healthcare services, ensuring that more communities have adequate and convenient medical facilities within reach. This increased accessibility is expected to improve healthcare outcomes and positively impact the well-being of the population.
Furthermore, Dr. Nsiah Asare highlighted the economic implications of the program. The construction and operation of the new health facilities will generate employment opportunities, particularly for nurses and healthcare professionals. This surge in employment is expected to contribute to the overall economic growth of Ghana by reducing unemployment rates, increasing household incomes, and fostering economic stability within local communities. The ripple effect of these employment opportunities can extend beyond the healthcare sector, benefiting various sectors of the economy and supporting the country’s development as a whole.
By creating more health facilities and generating employment opportunities, the Agenda 111 program aims to address both healthcare and socio-economic challenges in Ghana. The government’s commitment to improving the healthcare infrastructure not only enhances access to quality healthcare services but also plays a vital role in driving economic progress and uplifting communities across the nation.
