Ranking Member on the Health Committee in Parliament, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, says contrary to popular belief, the Minority in Parliament is not opposed to agenda 111.

According to him, as Members of Parliament, it is their duty to put government’s policies like Agenda 111 under scrutiny, especially when they have noticed some inconsistencies that need to be highlighted.

Speaking on Top Story on Friday, Mr Akandoh said the Minority is only raising legitimate questions about the project, which will increase the number of health care facilities in the country.

“I have not heard anybody who is opposed to the construction of 111 hospitals. In any case, we have always made a point that there is even a need, if you do not even add more, to complete the abandoned hospitals in this country.”

“So I, and on behalf of the Minority, we are in no way opposed to the construction of more hospitals. But as a government, if indeed you accept democracy, irrespective of how nice or ambitious a policy is, we would have to subject it to scrutiny, and when we do so you are insulting us?”

His comment comes after the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church described critics of the Agenda 111 project as witches who seek to derail the government’s efforts.

Rt. Rev. Prof. Joseph Obiri Yeboah Mante is not enthused by the manner in which the recently launched Agenda 111 has been received by a section of the general public, who he believes, have no good to offer the nation.

The Presbyterian Church moderator, who also doubles as the Chairman of the Christian Council, rallied support for the initiative to improve healthcare delivery to the populace.

https://www.myjoyonline.com/critics-of-akufo-addos-agenda-111-are-witches-presby-church-moderator/

However, Mr Akandoh believes Rt. Rev. Prof. Mante did not speak well and does not fully understand why people are scrutinising the project.

“It is not any private individual who is going to build hospitals for this country, it is the money of you and I that is going to be used, and therefore we have every right to raise legitimate questions. Just like he himself says if they [government] are not able to build those hospitals, he will even lead the criticism."

"So, if there are any legitimate questions, I think that it is our right to raise those questions - especially when before the commencement of the programme, some monies have been spent and we don't know where those monies went to.”

Mr Akandoh stated that if raising issues or questions regarding the project and the procurement processes as he should, makes him a wizard, he gladly accepts the tag.

“Well the rate at which people, especially Ghanaians, are losing trust and confidence in some men of God is alarming. So if some of them begin to talk this way, it only confirms the mistrust the people have in some men of God.”

“So I will plead with our clergy to exercise restraint when they are commenting on issues of this nature. They have the right to comment, but they are in unique positions and therefore they should not be seen stepping on toes unnecessarily.”