Government officials overseeing the nationwide ‘Agenda 111' hospital projects have initiated a regional tour to assess progress at project sites across the Volta and Oti Regions.
The tour, led by experts, engineers, and technical experts responsible for monitoring the projects, will cover eight sites in the Volta Region and four sites in the Oti Region, specifically in Jasikan, Kadjebi, Nkwanta North, and Krachi Nchumuru.
On the first day of the tour, Dr. Anthony Nsiah-Asare, the Presidential Advisor on Health, urged the project contractors to accelerate their efforts to ensure timely completion. He emphasized the government's commitment to delivering quality healthcare services nationwide.
“We hope that the contractors should work beyond their limit to get the project completed for quality health delivery across the country,” Dr. Nsiah-Asare stated.
Dr. Nsiah-Asare revealed that the government had cleared all financial obligations with the contractors and anticipated that the projects would be completed and commissioned by the first quarter of 2024.
He commended traditional rulers, elders, opinion leaders, and other stakeholders for their roles in securing project sites, resolving litigation issues, and facilitating the progress of the initiatives.
In discussions with contractors, local chiefs, and government officials at various sites, Dr. Nsiah-Asare reiterated the government's commitment to transforming Ghana into a Center of Medical Excellence and a destination for medical tourism in the West African sub-region.
The inspection tour began at the Agortoe project site in the Anloga District, where concerns about the slow pace of work were raised. However, contractors assured Dr. Nsiah-Asare that they would complete the project by the first quarter of 2024.
At Ave-Dakpa, the team encountered enthusiasm and joy among locals due to the project's advanced state. The lead contractor, Global Management Construction, and housing contractor, Jalailo Limited, pledged to reach 65 percent completion before the end of the first quarter in 2024.
Local authorities, including the District Chief Executive, expressed gratitude to the Akufo-Addo government for its commitment to healthcare infrastructure development and appealed for more projects in the district.
The ‘Agenda 111' Project initially aimed for a 12-month completion period for each unit, with government funding of US$100 million through the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF).
It is a pivotal part of the Akufo-Addo administration's vision to enhance Ghana's healthcare sector by providing hospitals in 101 outstanding districts, in addition to 10 regional and specialized hospitals.
Residents of Agortoe and Ave-Dakpa expressed satisfaction with the project's progress and urged contractors to expedite the work.
Local Municipal and District Chief Executives (MDCEs) pledged their support to ensure the projects met the expected timelines.
The tour will continue in the Volta Region before moving to the Oti Region.
Reporting by Agbaxode Emmanuel/ Evans Worlanyo Ameamu. Editing by Mariam Aminu.
