President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has called on President-elect John Dramani Mahama to prioritize the completion of the Agenda 111 hospital projects as he prepares to assume office.
This landmark initiative, launched under President Akufo-Addo’s administration at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, was designed to address significant healthcare infrastructure gaps in Ghana by constructing 111 district and regional hospitals, along with two psychiatric facilities.
Delivering his final State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Friday, January 3, 2025, President Akufo-Addo emphasized the transformative impact of Agenda 111, describing it as one of the most ambitious health infrastructure projects in Ghana’s history. He stated that the initiative aimed to decentralize healthcare delivery, improve access to quality medical services, and ensure that no Ghanaian would be denied care due to geographical or resource limitations.
“The pandemic exposed alarming shortcomings in our health delivery system,” President Akufo-Addo said. “In response, we initiated measures to ensure Ghana is better prepared for future health crises. The most significant intervention is the Agenda 111 project, which aimed to provide a hospital in every district, adding 111 district hospitals and two psychiatric hospitals to our national infrastructure.”
The President noted that substantial progress had been made, with 99 district hospitals and two psychiatric facilities under construction. He explained that contractors had been deployed across active sites, with progress ranging from initial groundwork to near completion. However, despite the strides made, many of the projects remain unfinished as his tenure ends.
“I am pleased to report that on December 3, I had the pleasure of commissioning three of the district hospitals,” the President shared. “The remaining 98 active sites are at varying stages of completion, from 5% to 95%. While I had hoped to see the project fully realized during my tenure, I am optimistic that the incoming Mahama administration will prioritize its completion.”
Agenda 111 was conceived as a direct response to the healthcare challenges revealed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative seeks to reduce overcrowding in existing hospitals, particularly in urban areas, and to ensure that rural and underserved communities have access to modern healthcare facilities.
President Akufo-Addo described the project as a legacy effort that would redefine Ghana’s healthcare landscape for generations. He noted that the initiative not only addressed immediate infrastructure needs but also laid the groundwork for a more resilient healthcare system capable of withstanding future challenges.
“The illegalities and irregularities within our existing healthcare infrastructure were well-documented,” the President said. “Agenda 111 represents a bold step towards rectifying these issues. It is a testament to our commitment to the health and well-being of every Ghanaian, irrespective of their location or socioeconomic status.”
The President acknowledged the resource constraints and logistical challenges that delayed the full realization of Agenda 111. He commended the dedication of contractors, healthcare professionals, and government officials who worked tirelessly to advance the project despite these obstacles. He also expressed gratitude to Ghanaians for their patience and understanding, assuring them that the initiative’s goals remain achievable with sustained effort.
President Akufo-Addo urged the incoming Mahama administration to view Agenda 111 as a national project rather than a partisan one. He emphasized the importance of continuity in government initiatives, stressing that the successful completion of Agenda 111 would benefit all Ghanaians and cement the nation’s progress in healthcare delivery.
“This is not a political project; it is a national one,” he declared. “Agenda 111 represents a collective effort to improve the lives of Ghanaians by providing accessible, quality healthcare for all. I trust that the new government will see the value in this initiative and ensure its successful completion.”
In addition to Agenda 111, the President highlighted other healthcare initiatives launched during his tenure. These include the expansion of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), the upgrading of regional hospitals, and the establishment of new medical training institutions. These efforts, he said, are part of a broader strategy to strengthen Ghana’s healthcare system and enhance its capacity to meet the needs of a growing population.
Reflecting on the challenges faced during his presidency, President Akufo-Addo expressed pride in the strides made in healthcare but acknowledged that more work remains to be done. He called on the incoming administration to build on the foundation laid by his government, emphasizing that sustained investment in healthcare is essential for national development.
As he concluded his address, President Akufo-Addo reaffirmed his belief in the resilience and potential of Ghana’s healthcare system. He expressed hope that Agenda 111 would serve as a catalyst for further advancements in healthcare delivery, ensuring that every Ghanaian has access to the medical care they need.
“I leave office with the hope that the vision behind Agenda 111 will not only be realized but expanded upon,” the President said. “This initiative is a promise to the people of Ghana—a promise that their health and well-being will always be a priority.”
President Akufo-Addo’s appeal to prioritize Agenda 111 underscores the importance of continuity and collaboration in achieving sustainable development. As President-elect Mahama prepares to take office, the successful completion of Agenda 111 remains a critical task that will define Ghana’s healthcare trajectory for years to come.
