President John Dramani Mahama has openly criticised the previous Akufo Addo administration over the design and execution of the Agenda 111 hospital initiative, describing the simultaneous commencement of 111 hospital projects across the country as imprudent and poorly structured.
Speaking during a meeting with the Northern Regional House of Chiefs on Friday, 15 May 2026, shortly before departing for an international engagement in Geneva, the President questioned the strategic planning behind launching such a large number of health infrastructure projects at the same time.
He argued that a phased implementation would have been more realistic and fiscally responsible, rather than attempting to construct all facilities concurrently, which he suggested contributed to delays and inefficiencies in execution.
The President noted that although some of the projects had reached foundation stage, overall progress had been uneven, with significant concerns surrounding contractor performance and value for money in several locations.
He further disclosed that some contractors reportedly received mobilisation funds but failed to proceed to project sites, a situation he described as unacceptable and currently under investigation.
According to him, the Economic and Organised Crime Office, Economic and Organised Crime Office, has been tasked with pursuing defaulting contractors to recover public funds and enforce accountability where necessary.
Despite his criticism of the initial rollout strategy, the President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring that the projects ultimately serve their intended purpose of improving healthcare access across the country.
He revealed that government has now revised the implementation approach and will prioritise the completion of 35 hospitals that are nearest to completion, before proceeding with subsequent phases.
He added that additional funding allocations will be made in the next national budget to support the continuation and completion of the remaining facilities in a structured manner.
President Mahama also indicated that the revised strategy includes collaboration with faith based health organisations, which may be encouraged to adopt selected facilities and assist in completing and operating them.
The Agenda 111 programme, originally introduced as a major national healthcare infrastructure expansion initiative, has faced sustained criticism over delays, stalled works, and cost concerns, prompting renewed efforts by government to restructure its implementation and prioritise phased delivery.
