The seriousness which the Akufo-Addo government attaches to the construction of Agenda 111 projects has compelled it to terminate contracts for three of the hospitals for non-performance.
The Presidential Advisor on Health, Dr. Nsiah Asare, who disclosed this during a press briefing at Trede in the Ashanti Region yesterday, did not name the contractors involved, but said their performances had not been that satisfactory.
“We have terminated the contracts of three contractors due to non-performance and failure to meet the required standards. As we have indicated, we will not compromised on the standards of these hospitals and the construction timelines, which is why we have moved quickly to terminate the contracts of these contractors,” he told the media.
Dr. Nsiah Asare emphasised that the abrogation of the contracts was to ensure the successful implementation of the Agenda 111 projects within the time frame set by the government, adding that “the termination serves as a demonstration of the government’s dedication to upholding rigorous standards and holding contractors accountable for their performance.”
Dr. Nsiah Asare, a former Chief Executive Officer of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, informed the media that out of the projected 111 hospitals to be constructed, 88 of them were currently underway.
He said the hospitals being constructed under the programme would offer a range of facilities, including state-of-the-art surgical theatres for maternity, obstetrics and gynecology, male, female, pediatric, and isolation wards, among others.
Furthermore he said, accommodation would be provided for doctors, nurses, and other healthcare personnel within the hospital premises.
He said the government considered the Agenda 111 as the most significant investment in healthcare infrastructure in the country since independence, and would not relent in the provision of these hospitals.
The Minister for Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, who organised the briefing, expressed satisfaction with the steady progress being made in the implementation of the Agenda 111 hospitals project.
With the objective of bridging the healthcare inequality gap and strengthening the health system nationwide, Agenda 111 has been a cornerstone of the Akufo-Addo administration’s vision for Ghana’s healthcare sector. The project will provide hospitals for 101 outstanding districts, along with regional and specialised hospitals.
Mr. Oppong Nkrumah emphasised that the project was advancing steadily, with several milestones already achieved. “Gradually, government’s grand vision of transforming the healthcare system of the country is coming to fruition, and in due course we all will witness this unprecedented achievement in the history of our Republic,” he said.
He highlighted the meticulous planning and management of the project, which has been divided into eight zones, each consisting of an average of 14 sites. These sites have dedicated teams of consultants, including architects, civil engineers, structural engineers, mechanical engineers, and biomedical engineers, ensuring the smooth execution of the construction process.
Minister Oppong Nkrumah acknowledged the challenges faced in implementing the project, but assured the public that the government remained steadfast in its commitment to delivering high quality healthcare facilities.
The Minister also called on all stakeholders, including local beneficiary communities, traditional leaders, youth, and actors in the local health sector, to rally behind the project and provide their unwavering support.
He stressed the importance of community engagement and collaboration to ensure the seamless integration and optimal functionality of the health facilities upon completion.
