Agenda 111: We inherited over GH¢1bn debt despite $344m investment -Health Minister

The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has revealed that the former Akufo-Addo-Bawumia administration left behind nearly GH¢1 billion in debt related to the Agenda 111 hospital projects—without a single completed and functioning facility.

Speaking during the Government Accountability Series on Friday, July 18, 2025, the Minister criticized the implementation of the flagship health infrastructure programme.

He noted that despite significant spending, the project remains largely unfulfilled.

“We also inherited the much-touted Agenda 111 programme, which, despite an investment of $344 million, had not completed and operationalised a single hospital. Worse still, it left behind over 1 billion Ghana cedis in arrears for us to settle,” Akandoh stated.

The Agenda 111 initiative, introduced under former President Akufo-Addo, aimed to construct 111 hospitals—including district and specialised facilities—across the country. But delays, stalled construction, and lack of funds have hindered its progress, with nearly 90 sites reportedly incomplete.

Although former President Akufo-Addo claimed in his last State of the Nation Address that three hospitals had become operational, the Health Minister said the on-ground reality tells a different story.

Akandoh reiterated the current administration’s commitment to strengthening the health sector, describing it as essential to national development and the welfare of every Ghanaian.