The former presidential advisor on health under the erstwhile Akufo-Addo administration, Dr. Anthony Nsiah-Asare, has disputed the current government’s estimated cost of completing the ambitious Agenda 111 hospital projects.
During an interview with Bonohene on AsaasePa 107.3 in Accra, Dr. Nsiah-Asare revealed that the government requires only $1.4 billion to finalise these projects, contradicting former President John Dramani Mahama’s assertion that the figure stands at $1.7 billion.
Nsiah-Asare expressed scepticism about the source of Mahama’s figure, stating, “We need $1.4 billion. It is not $1.7 billion; I don’t know where President Mahama got that figure from.” This clarification comes at a time when the nation is keenly focused on the progress of these critical healthcare infrastructure projects.
The Agenda 111 initiative involves a mix of government and external funding. Dr. Nsiah-Asare explained that district hospitals and two psychiatric hospitals are being funded directly by the Ghanaian government.
Dr Anthony Nsiah Asare
This is at the backdrop of President John Dramani Mahama, who revealed that only one hospital under the Agenda 111 project has been completed since his administration took office, highlighting the immense financial burden required to complete the initiative.
Speaking at a meeting with the Christian Council, Mahama disclosed that the government would need $1.7 billion to complete and operationalise the remaining hospitals.
But in contrast, Nsiah Asare explained that regional hospitals and the Accra Psychiatric Hospital are reliant on external funding sources.
He said, “The district hospitals and two psychiatric hospitals are funded by the Ghana government. Regional hospitals and the Accra Psychiatric Hospital, on the other hand, are funded externally.”
“Currently, five contractors associated with the externally funded projects have submitted their proposals, which are awaiting approval at the Ministry of Finance. However, the process is stalled due to ongoing debt restructuring efforts. Once these financial hurdles are cleared, the contracts can be finalised, and construction work can commence.”
Nsiah-Asare emphasised the potential benefits of utilising Ghana’s oil revenue to support these healthcare projects.
He suggested that allocating a portion of the oil funds could provide the necessary financial boost.
“I strongly believe in my heart that if we utilise our oil revenue wisely, we’ll leave a lasting legacy. The legacy fund is a heritage for future generations. For instance, Korle Bu Hospital was built over 100 years ago, yet we’re still benefiting from it today,” Nsiah-Asare added.
Drawing parallels with Dubai, Nsiah-Asare highlighted how strategic investment in infrastructure can yield lasting economic benefits.
“Dubai, once heavily reliant on oil, has diversified its economy by using oil revenues to develop sectors that continue to generate income even as oil reserves dwindle,” he stressed.
Source :Emmanuel Nyarko (Akokoraba
