67,635 people will be employed in the Agenda 111 hospitals - Akufo-Addo

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has revealed that the ongoing Agenda 111 hospitals initiative will generate approximately 67,635 jobs for Ghanaians.

Speaking at the commissioning of the Adansi North District Hospital in the Ashanti Region on July 17, 2024, he highlighted that the construction projects, managed by indigenous Ghanaian contractors, will create both direct and indirect employment opportunities.

President Akufo-Addo noted that each construction site typically employs around 120 workers, and once completed, district hospitals will employ an average of 549 individuals, regional hospitals 1,343, and psychiatric hospitals 947.

“The completion of the Adansi North District Hospital demonstrates our commitment to establishing state-of-the-art healthcare facilities across the nation. It is worth noting that the construction of these hospitals is being undertaken by indigenous Ghanaian contractors and will provide direct and indirect jobs to many Ghanaians.

“There is an average of 120 workers on each construction site, and when completed, an average of 549 people will be employed in district hospitals, 1,343 in regional hospitals, and 947 in each psychiatric hospital. This means that 67,635 people will be employed in the Agenda 111 hospitals,” he stated.

The President also mentioned similar projects completed in Kumawu, Fomena, and Takoradi.

In addition to the newly inaugurated facility, President Akufo-Addo mentioned that several other health projects are currently underway, including five facilities in the Western Region and an upgraded hospital in Western North.

Significant projects slated for completion by the end of the year include the Urology and Neurology Center of Excellence at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, alongside 11 district hospitals and one polyclinic across multiple regions.

President Akufo-Addo reaffirmed the government's commitment to achieving universal health coverage, stating, “These efforts are aimed at guaranteeing improved and more efficient healthcare for all Ghanaians.”

The health minister, Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye, also outlined the broader context of the Agenda 111 initiative, which aims to bolster Ghana’s healthcare capacity. He emphasized the need for ongoing maintenance and the enhancement of healthcare staff training to ensure the effectiveness of new facilities.

AM/OGB

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