The Agenda 111 project, a landmark initiative by the Akufo-Addo-led government, aims to revolutionise the nation’s healthcare landscape by constructing 111 new hospitals across the country.

Emmanuel Samani recently visited two of these facilities in the Greater Accra Region—Adentan and Ablekuma Central hospitals—to assess the ongoing progress. These projects are critical to enhancing healthcare access and quality for local communities.

Background on Agenda 111

Launched in August 2021, the Agenda 111 project represents the Ghanaian government’s largest-ever investment in healthcare infrastructure.

Led by President Akufo-Addo, the initiative seeks to address healthcare gaps exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic by constructing 101 district hospitals, seven regional hospitals, and other specialised facilities.

With an estimated budget of $16.88 million per hospital, the project aims to ensure that every district without a hospital receives one, thereby improving healthcare delivery nationwide.

Adentan Hospital Progress

In Adentan, a 100-bed hospital is under construction near the CSIR-Animal Research Institute at Fafraha.

The project, which commenced in November 2023, is expected to be completed by October 2024. The construction is managed by four contractors: DBS Industries Limited, BKT Construction Ltd, BHAK Company Ltd, and Community and Social Investment Ltd.

Despite initial challenges related to land acquisition, the project is now progressing smoothly, thanks to interventions by regional authorities. Upon completion, the hospital will significantly enhance healthcare services in the Adentan Municipality, which currently lacks a facility of this capacity.

Ablekuma Central Hospital Status

In Ablekuma Central, a new hospital is planned on a reclaimed land at Agbogbloshie, previously one of West Africa’s largest slums.

The site, transformed from a major health hazard zone, will eventually host a state-of-the-art medical facility aimed at serving over 200,000 residents in Ablekuma Central, Ablekuma South, and Odododiodioo constituencies, among others.

However, a recent visit to the site revealed no construction work currently underway. The land has been leveled, but there are no workers or visible signs of ongoing activity. This halt in progress raises concerns about the project’s timeline and its ability to meet the urgent healthcare needs of the community.

Conclusion

The Agenda 111 project is steadily advancing, with notable progress at the Adentan site. However, the lack of activity at the Ablekuma Central site at Agbogbloshie underscores the challenges that still need to be addressed.

These hospitals are crucial for enhancing healthcare accessibility and quality in the Greater Accra region. As construction progresses—or in some cases, stalls—these facilities are anticipated to alleviate pressure on existing hospitals, ensure equitable healthcare distribution, and contribute significantly to achieving Ghana’s health-related Sustainable Development Goals.