The Minister for Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, has called on road contractors working on government projects to voluntarily contribute towards the construction of a proposed cardiac centre in the Volta Region.

He argued that the project would complement the government's efforts to improve healthcare delivery across the country.

Speaking during President John Dramani Mahama's Citizens' Engagement in the Volta Region, Mr Agbodza praised the President's commitment to national development, particularly his focus on improving the health and wellbeing of Ghanaians alongside investments in roads, education and other critical sectors.

According to the Roads Minister, President Mahama's vision for strengthening the country's healthcare system is evident in his appointment of Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh and the government's continued investment in health infrastructure and programmes.

"Your Excellency, you are passionate about everything in our country—roads, education and everything. But there is something I see in you that you are very passionate about, and that is to see Ghanaians healthy and happy," Mr Agbodza said.

"It is for that reason that you have chosen a very hardworking colleague, Honourable Akandoh, to lead that vision, and he is doing a fantastic job under your direction."

The minister also commended the administration for prioritising road infrastructure, stating that the roads sector had received the largest share of the government's capital expenditure since President Mahama assumed office.

"Your Excellency, you have spent the largest capital expenditure of your government on roads. Contractors have received the largest capital expenditure in the roads sector," he stated.

Mr Agbodza said the government's infrastructure investments should be viewed alongside its commitment to improving healthcare, describing the Ghana Medical Trust Fund as one of the administration's flagship initiatives.

He urged all stakeholders, including road contractors and employees of the Ministry of Roads and Highways, to support the initiative, noting that everyone ultimately benefits from a stronger healthcare system.

"Your flagship healthcare programme, the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, is something that we should all take seriously. Contractors, people working at the Ministry of Roads and Highways and our staff all seek healthcare," he remarked.

The appeal follows President Mahama's announcement that the government would facilitate the construction of a cardiac centre in the Volta Region after residents appealed for a specialised facility to serve the area.

Mr Agbodza said the proposed project presented an opportunity for contractors to demonstrate their commitment to national development beyond the execution of road projects.

"As your Roads Minister, I know the volume of money we pay to contractors for their work, and many of them go beyond constructing roads. They undertake corporate social responsibility projects by building schools, clinics, providing water facilities and supporting other community initiatives," he said.

"I want to make a very passionate appeal to all our contractors. For the sake of President Mahama, the Health Minister and the people of the Volta Region, I hope our contractors will come forward and say, 'We will contribute and build the cardiac centre ourselves.'"

Mr Agbodza estimated that the facility would cost approximately US$15 million, describing the amount as achievable if government officials and the private sector combined their efforts.

"It is just US$15 million. Members of Parliament and ministers have committed our salaries towards it. Today, Mr President, I am committing an additional three months of my total salary to the project," he announced.

While appealing for financial support, the minister insisted that contractors would not be compelled to contribute to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund or the proposed cardiac centre.

"I will not threaten any contractor that if you do not contribute to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, I have no power to do anything to you," he said.

However, Mr Agbodza added that as preparations continue for the second phase of the government's Big Push infrastructure programme, he intends to request details of all voluntary contributions made to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund.

"But the Big Push Phase Two is being prepared. I will quietly ask the Chief Executive of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund to furnish me with all voluntary contributions, including my own. So when we are sharing the next phase of the Big Push, we shall see how we share it," he stated.