SONA: Not a single Agenda 111 hospital is operational – Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has revealed that despite the government’s promise to build 111 hospitals under the Agenda 111 programme, not a single hospital is operational in any part of Ghana. Delivering his State of the Nation Address to Parliament on Thursday, February 27, 2025, President Mahama stated, “Mr. Speaker, for the record, as I speak, not a single Agenda 111 hospital is operational in any part of Ghana”.

According to President Mahama, the Agenda 111 programme was initiated as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it has been plagued by challenges due to the lack of a dedicated funding source. He disclosed that US$400 million has already been disbursed under the Agenda 111 project, which could have completed at least 22 hospitals for Ghanaians.

The President expressed concern that the project’s implementation has been inefficient, stating, “At a rate of approximately $18m per hospital, the US$ 400 million spent could have completed at least 22 hospitals for Ghanaians”. He emphasized that the government will now require GHS 22 billion to complete the projects.

To address the challenges facing the Agenda 111 programme, President Mahama announced that his government is open to public-private partnerships and franchising to complete and operationalize the hospitals. He has also tasked the Minister for Health to present a plan on the way forward for the programme.

The Agenda 111 programme was initiated by the previous government, but its implementation has been criticized for lacking a clear plan and funding source. President Mahama’s announcement highlights the need for a new approach to complete the project and provide Ghanaians with access to quality healthcare.

In addition to the challenges facing the Agenda 111 programme, President Mahama also highlighted the impact of USAID’s sudden 90-day pause in services without prior notice and the looming threat of complete withdrawal of programmes that do not align with the USA’s strategic interests.