A total 87 projects out of 111 sites of government’s Agenda 111 projects have commenced and are at various stages of construction, says the Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta.
The Agenda 111 as one of the flagship programmes of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, aims to ensure that Ghanaians in every district and region in the country had access to quality healthcare services.
Stating this in the presentation of the mid-year budget on Monday in Accra, Mr Ofori-Atta said the following Health infrastructural projects were expected to be completed by end year 2022.
These included the construction of one district hospital and five polyclinics in Western Region (Akontombra, Nsuaem, Elubo, Wassa Dunkwa, Bogoso and Mpohor), expansion and equipping of four selected facilities project in Aburi (Kom, Tetteh Quashie, Kibi and Atibie) and equipping of Upper East (Bolgatanga) Regional Hospital, Phase II.
“With majority of the contractors at various sites, we are well on course to bridge the health inequality gap and strengthen the health system nationwide,” he said.
Mr Ofori-Atta cited that, last month a comprehensive update on COVID-19 expenditures was provided to the house and it was important to recall that, the timely intervention by government to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic preserved the lives and livelihood of Ghanaians.
“The economic measures staved-off a recession and have sustained the momentum of economic recovery (from 0.5 per cent in 2020 to 5.4 per cent in 2021),” he said.
He added that, he had requested the Auditor-General to audit the COVID-19 expenditures in line with its statutory obligations to complement the accountability process.
“They saved lives and promoted inclusive growth. The impact of these interventions will certainly transcend the momentary challenges we face,” he stated.
The Agenda 111 projects is said to boost the provision of healthcare infrastructure in line with the government’s commitment to ensuring universal health care to all
citizens and attainment of United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG3).
Again, it would further be a fulfillment of the government’s policy of a hospital in each district and region and improve the geographical coverage of healthcare delivery in the country.
As well as offer improved access to healthcare for all Ghanaians as the outcome would come with a model of accelerated construction of health facilities developed for future health projects.
BY ANITA ANKRAH
