The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has criticised the Agenda 111 hospital initiative, describing it as a “trap” left behind by the previous administration due to major funding and implementation challenges.
Agenda 111, introduced as a flagship healthcare infrastructure programme under the government of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, was intended to bridge gaps in access to healthcare facilities across the country. However, issues relating to financing, execution pace, and completion timelines have remained a subject of national debate.
Speaking in an interview on Citi FM’s Breakfast Show, Mr. Akandoh questioned the foundation of the project, arguing that it was launched without a reliable and sustainable funding plan.
“This Agenda 111 is a trap set by the previous government,” he stated.
He contrasted the initiative with healthcare projects undertaken during the administration of President John Dramani Mahama, suggesting that those programmes were supported by well-defined funding structures that ensured their continuation.
“The difference between what President Mahama set for the NPP to continue, and this one is that there was secured and sustainable funding for the project. So, when you abandon it, it is deliberate. But in this case, there was no secured funding,” he explained.
The Minister also raised concerns about the decision to begin all 111 hospital projects at once, describing the approach as unrealistic under prevailing economic conditions.
“If indeed they intended to complete it, you have spent GH¢4.8 billion. Couldn’t we have phased it out? We could start with some — about 20 — and after we are done, then we roll out the others. How can we do all at the same time?” he asked.
Mr. Akandoh argued that the strategy has created a heavy burden for the current administration, which must now determine how best to complete or restructure the projects.
“So, you create this problem, and then you leave it to the next government,” he said.
