Former President John Dramani Mahama has directly criticised the previous administration's handling of the Agenda 111 hospital projects. He labelled the decision to begin construction on all 111 hospitals simultaneously as imprudent and poorly managed. Mahama expressed his views during a meeting with the Northern Regional House of Chiefs on Friday, May 15.
Mahama questioned the strategic thinking behind launching 111 hospital projects at the same time. He argued that a phased approach would have been more effective and financially responsible. The former president noted that while some projects reached the foundation stage, overall execution faced serious problems. Concerns about contractor performance and getting good value for money were highlighted. He revealed that some contractors took mobilisation funds but never started work.
This criticism fits into a larger discussion about Ghana's infrastructure spending. The Agenda 111 initiative was a significant healthcare expansion programme. However, it has faced significant delays. There have also been questions raised about the total cost and the progress made. Data on project completion rates and actual expenditure remains a key area of public interest. The government's current plan to focus on completing 35 hospitals shows a shift in strategy.
Mahama stated that the government is actively pursuing contractors who took money and failed to deliver. He assured the chiefs that the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) is investigating and seeking to recover funds. He reaffirmed the commitment to ensure the hospital projects benefit Ghanaians in the end. Mahama mentioned that the government has reviewed the programme. It will now concentrate resources on finishing 35 hospitals that are close to completion.
Additional funding will be allocated in the upcoming national budget. This will support the completion of another set of hospitals in future phases. The restructuring plan also involves working with faith-based health institutions. These organisations will be encouraged to adopt some facilities to help finish and operate them. The government is inviting faith-based organisations that run hospitals to consider adopting those they can complete and make operational. The Agenda 111 programme, launched to boost healthcare infrastructure, has faced scrutiny. Stalled projects and cost worries have led to this renewed focus on finishing projects in stages and forming partnerships.