The Ghanaian Government, in partnership with Akrot Consults, a private estate development firm, has officially launched the construction of accommodation facilities for healthcare professionals at the Agenda 111 site located in Sang, Mion District, Northern Region. This initiative represents a significant collaboration involving the Ministry of Works and Housing, Ministry of Health, and the Ghana Health Service, operating under a Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) model. The project aims to construct a total of 140 residential units, comprising 40 one-bedroom, 48 two-bedroom, and 52 three-bedroom apartments across various Agenda 111 sites throughout the nation. The infrastructure will also include commercial amenities, such as spaces for shopping, eateries, and educational facilities like a crèche and nursery for the children of medical personnel.
Augustus Akrofi, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Akrot Consult, emphasized that his company has secured funding amounting to $865 million for the project, which encompasses the construction of 14,420 housing units related to the Agenda 111 initiative across Ghana. Akrofi stressed the importance of providing decent housing for doctors, nurses, and other health workers who will be stationed at the hospitals established under the Agenda 111 program. Recognizing that many healthcare professionals are accustomed to urban living, he noted the necessity of creating adequate accommodations in more remote areas to encourage them to accept placements there.
Project Director Isaac Akrofi highlighted the intention of the project to bolster the local economy by prioritizing the employment of community residents. He urged the contractors to hire local talent and to invest in the manpower and materials that could be sourced from the surrounding area. He stated, “When we say medical village, we emphasize that it’s not just about healthcare; it’s about uplifting the local community as well.” This commitment to local employment signifies a dual benefit of the project: improving healthcare worker retention while simultaneously fostering job opportunities for local residents.
The project’s contractor, Alhaji Inusah Alhassan, expressed confidence in the timeline for construction, which is slated to last 18 months under the current contract. However, he assured stakeholders that the project would likely be completed ahead of the schedule, provided that funding is released punctually. Alhassan reiterated his commitment to hire skilled personnel from the community and to utilize local materials in the construction process, aligning the project’s benefits with the needs of the local populace.
Alhaji Musah Abdul-Aziz Ayaba, the Member of Parliament for Mion and Deputy Minister for Fisheries, recognized the significance of the Agenda 111 initiative in improving healthcare infrastructure in the area. He mentioned that the hospital is nearing 80 percent completion and praised the government’s foresight in including accommodations for health workers. He promised to actively monitor the contractor’s progress to ensure adherence to the project timeline and timely release of necessary funds.
Naa Mahama Yakubu (II), the Chief of Sang, expressed gratitude towards the government and Akrot Group for initiating this critical project. He commended the project’s emphasis on local employment and its potential to engage youth in the community, enhancing overall productivity in Sang and its adjacent areas. The accommodation facilities are not only seen as a means to support healthcare workers but also as an initiative to uplift the entire local economy through job creation and improved services, making it a comprehensive approach to community development in the region.
