The Deputy Director of Operations at the presidency, Mustapha Gbande, has expressed satisfaction with President John Mahama’s commitment to completing ongoing hospital projects under the Agenda 111 initiative.

Speaking on JoyNews’ The Pulse, Mr Gbande praised Mr Mahama’s visionary approach, stating that the completion of these hospitals should not be viewed through a political lens but rather as a necessity for national development.

"I’m very happy that His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, as visionary as he is, has committed to completing what President Akufo-Addo has started. At least with the Agenda 111 project, when those hospitals are completed, it will not be only to the credit of President Akufo-Addo, but it will serve the entire nation," he said.

Mr Gbande highlighted the critical need for hospitals in rural areas, including his own village, which currently lacks a healthcare facility.

“If we get those Agenda 111 hospitals completed, they will take care of our people who are sick. We should take politics out of the discussions as far as medical care is concerned,” he urged.

He also questioned the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) timing in making Agenda 111 a political debate, arguing that the then administration had ample time over the past eight years to prioritise healthcare without seeking to score political points now.

“Why did the NPP wait to begin that conversation today when they have been in power for eight years?” Mr Gbande asked.

The project was aimed to cover the design, procurement, construction, equipping and commissioning of 101 District Hospitals, 6 Regional Hospitals in newly created regions, as well as 1 Regional Hospital in the Western Region, 2 Psychiatric Hospitals in Kumasi and Tamale and a redeveloped Accra Psychiatric Hospital.

The project also aimed at ensuring that Ghanaians nationwide have access to quality healthcare services and with the National Health Insurance Scheme, boost the provision of healthcare infrastructure and financial accessibility to healthcare.