The Minister for Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, has pledged an additional three months of his salary towards the construction of a proposed cardiac centre in the Volta Region and appealed to road contractors to voluntarily support the initiative.
Mr Agbodza made the announcement during President John Dramani Mahama’s Citizens’ Engagement in the Volta Region, where he commended the President’s commitment to improving healthcare and called on both public officials and the private sector to contribute to the project.
He described President Mahama as a leader who is deeply committed to the wellbeing of Ghanaians, noting that the administration’s investment in healthcare complements its infrastructure agenda.
“Your Excellency, you are passionate about everything in our country—roads, education and everything. But there is something I see in you that you are very passionate about, and that is to see Ghanaians healthy and happy,” he said.
The Roads Minister also praised the appointment of Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, saying it reflected the government’s determination to strengthen the country’s healthcare system.
According to him, while the roads sector has received the largest share of government capital expenditure, investments in healthcare are equally essential to national development.
Mr Agbodza urged contractors working on government road projects to support the proposed cardiac centre as part of their corporate social responsibility, noting that many already finance community projects such as schools, clinics and water facilities.
“I wish, for the sake of President Mahama, the Health Minister and the people of the Volta Region, that my contractors will step forward and say, ‘We will contribute and build it on our own,'” he said.
He estimated the project would cost about US$15 million, describing the amount as achievable through a collective effort involving government, Parliament and the private sector.
The minister disclosed that Members of Parliament and ministers had already committed portions of their salaries to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund before announcing his own additional contribution.
“Today, Mr President, I will commit three more months of my total salary to that,” he declared.
Mr Agbodza stressed that contributions from contractors would be entirely voluntary and not a condition for securing government contracts.
“I will not threaten any contractor that if you do not contribute to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, I have no power to do anything to you,” he said.
He, however, indicated that he would request records of voluntary contributions made to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund as government prepares for the second phase of the Big Push infrastructure programme.
His remarks followed President Mahama’s directive for the establishment of a cardiac centre in the Volta Region after appeals from residents and stakeholders for improved access to specialised cardiovascular healthcare.
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