Akufo-Addo urges President-Elect Mahama to build on Healthcare legacy

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has urged the incoming government to prioritise the completion and enhancement of healthcare initiatives started under his administration. 

Speaking during his final State of the Nation Address (SONA) on January 3, 2025, President Akufo-Addo outlined the significant strides made in health infrastructure, emergency services, and health insurance, stressing the need for sustained commitment to these reforms.

Agenda 111

Central to his address was the Agenda 111 project, an initiative aimed at providing hospitals in every district across the country. 

The President noted that while construction had not been completed across all sites, significant progress had been made.

“Out of the 101 district hospitals and two psychiatric hospitals planned, work is actively ongoing at 99 district hospital sites and two psychiatric facilities,” he said. “Progress ranges from 5% to 95%, and I had the pleasure of commissioning three of these hospitals last December.”

President Akufo-Addo expressed hope that the next government would complete the remaining facilities, which he described as essential for ensuring equitable healthcare access nationwide.

Strengthening emergency services

The president highlighted his administration’s revitalisation of the National Ambulance Service, which expanded its fleet from 55 to over 300 ambulances. 

This transformation, he said, has improved emergency response times and saved countless lives.

“Timely emergency care is no longer a luxury but a reality for many Ghanaians. This progress must not be allowed to falter,” he stated.

The President also lauded the revival of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), which he said had been on the verge of collapse before his administration’s intervention. 

He added that “Subscriber numbers have risen from 10.6 million in 2016 to 17.9 million by the end of 2023”.

He praised innovations like mobile phone subscription renewals and expanded coverage for critical health conditions such as sickle cell disease, kidney dialysis, and childhood cancers.

“This demonstrates what is possible when we prioritise healthcare accessibility and efficiency,” President Akufo-Addo said.

While acknowledging challenges, President Akufo-Addo expressed pride in his administration’s achievements, including the construction of 186 new science laboratories and the establishment of STEM and TVET centers to enhance healthcare training.

“Our investments have laid the groundwork for a robust healthcare system,” he said. “It is imperative that the incoming government continues these efforts to secure a healthier future for all Ghanaians.”

A call to build on gains

As his tenure draws to a close, President Akufo-Addo reiterated his call for continuity in healthcare reforms. He stressed that the progress made in infrastructure, emergency services, and health insurance should serve as a foundation for further advancements.

“We may not have finished all we set out to do, but the progress is undeniable,” he said. “The long-term benefits will justify the investments, and I urge the next administration to ensure these gains are preserved and expanded.”