Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has dismissed reports that the government intends to discontinue the Agenda 111 hospital project, insisting he has “never” made such a statement.
Speaking before Parliament’s Health Committee, the minister described the reports as “completely false,” stressing that the government remains committed to completing the health infrastructure program in phases.
“I have never, never said anywhere that we are going to abandon Agenda 111. We are not going to abandon any of the facilities. That reportage is completely false,” Mr. Akandoh said.
His comments followed media reports suggesting he had announced the government’s decision to abandon the Agenda 111 project. The minister maintained that his remarks in Parliament had been misrepresented.
“I never used the word ‘discontinuation.’ My words were very clear. We are phasing the projects, not abandoning them,” he stated, adding that Parliament’s official records would confirm his position.
According to the minister, the government has already invested about GH¢4.8 billion in Agenda 111 but none of the hospitals is currently operational. He said completing all the projects would require more than GH¢20 billion, making it necessary for government to adopt a phased implementation strategy.
Under the first phase, government has selected 35 hospitals for completion based on factors including regional balance, the level of completion of each project and the healthcare needs of communities.
“We do not want to spread ourselves thin and end up completing none. We have identified 35 facilities, complete them first, and then move on to the next phase,” he explained.
Mr. Akandoh disclosed that the government is also seeking partnerships with the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG) and private investors to help complete and operationalise the remaining facilities.
He said interested churches or private investors would be allowed to complete selected projects under mutually agreed arrangements, including build-operate-transfer models where appropriate.
The minister emphasized that the strategy is intended to protect the significant public investment already made in the projects.
“We do not want these facilities to deteriorate. If they are left unattended for years, their condition worsens and more money will be required to complete them,” he said.
Responding to questions from committee members, Mr. Akandoh revealed that although some Agenda 111 hospitals had previously been commissioned, none is currently functional because essential medical equipment had not been fully installed.
He further disclosed that government inherited unpaid Interim Payment Certificates (IPCs) exceeding GH¢1 billion, which are being processed to enable contractors to return to site.
The minister assured Parliament that the government remains committed to completing the Agenda 111 programme despite the financial challenges, insisting that the phased approach is aimed at ensuring value for money rather than discontinuing the initiative.
By Jesse Otoo
