The debate over the delayed operationalisation of completed Agenda 111 hospitals has taken a political twist, with opposing sides blaming each other for the situation. While former President John Dramani Mahama insists that none of the hospitals are functional, key figures in the Akufo-Addo administration argue that the dismissals of recruited health workers by the Mahama-led government are to blame.
Dr. Anthony Nsiah Asare, former Presidential Advisor on Health, has defended the current government, stating that efforts were made to recruit 15,200 nurses to staff the new facilities. However, he claims that a directive from the Chief of Staff under Mahama’s administration reversed these appointments, making it impossible to deploy personnel to the hospitals.
“The recruitment process was ongoing, and financial clearance was given in July. However, when a directive is issued revoking these appointments, it disrupts the entire process, leaving the hospitals without staff,” Dr. Nsiah Asare told Citi News.
Adding to the concerns, Alexander Akwasi Acquah, MP for Akim Oda and former Deputy Minister of Health, highlighted that three hospitals—Trede in Atwima Kwanwoma, Kokoben in Oforikrom, and Bokro in Ahanta West—are fully completed and equipped but remain non-operational due to staffing challenges. He argues that the termination of recently recruited health workers has crippled the Ghana Health Service’s ability to deploy personnel to the facilities.
This ongoing blame game raises concerns about the future of Agenda 111 and the broader impact of political transitions on Ghana’s healthcare system. While both sides continue to trade accusations, the affected hospitals remain closed, leaving communities without access to much-needed healthcare services.
