RAN-Africa, a prominent network focused on accountability and transparency, has initiated a formal Right to Information (RTI) request with the Ministry of Health, demanding comprehensive details regarding proposed partnerships between government and private entities to complete the stalled Agenda 111 hospital projects. The request, issued on August 11, 2026, and signed by Executive Director Kelvin Gyimah, seeks detailed information on potential partnerships encompassing private investors, faith-based organizations, and other entities involved in the project’s progression. This initiative stems from increasing public scrutiny of government’s plans to leverage the private sector for critical healthcare infrastructure development.
The request’s scope is remarkably broad, encompassing the identification of all private entities, companies, organizations, religious bodies, foundations, and investors who have expressed interest in or have been invited to participate in these initiatives since January 2025. RAN-Africa is specifically seeking copies of proposals, expressions of interest, correspondence, and any contractual instruments executed or proposed in these partnerships. Specifically, the organization is requesting information regarding the financial structures of each proposed partnership, including contributions expected from both government and private sources – a figure of GH¢20 billion, with approximately GH¢4.8 billion already invested, is a key element of the request.
Furthermore, RAN-Africa seeks comprehensive details regarding the current status of each partnership, encompassing whether it’s under consideration, actively negotiated, approved, concluded, suspended, or abandoned. The Ministry has indicated that the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church has already submitted a proposal to the Health Ministry to partner government on selected Agenda 111 hospitals, specifically focusing on trauma care, holistic wellness, oncology, and rehabilitation services. This proposal, alongside the government’s efforts to encourage mining companies to take over the construction and equipping of Agenda 111 facilities within their operational areas, underscores the broader context of government’s strategic consideration of private participation. RAN-Africa’s request comes in the face of growing concerns about transparency and safeguarding the public interest, particularly as the government considers private involvement in these significant projects.
The Ministry has stipulated a 14-day deadline for a response, contingent upon any extensions permitted under the RTI Act. The information garnered from this request is expected to provide greater clarity regarding the extent of government’s planned private sector involvement, the financial commitments associated with these partnerships, and the proposed operational arrangements for completing and maintaining these vital healthcare facilities. The Ministry has also highlighted Section 23(1) of the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989), which mandates an Information Officer to decide on an application and communicate the decision in writing within 14 days of receipt. The request is currently being directed to RAN-Africa’s designated contact for electronic submission of the information and associated correspondence. The Ministry is expected to receive the information, potentially revealing the scale of private sector involvement contemplated by the government, the associated financial commitments, and the proposed arrangements for completing and operating the Agenda 111 facilities. The Ministry has also cited a recent Health Minister statement that government is exploring partnerships with private entities to complete all 35 facilities, with 6 regional hospitals, six district hospitals, two psychiatric hospitals, and two specialised hospitals as priority projects.
In addition, the request is aligned with the government’s phased approach to completing the Agenda 111 project, prioritizing the completion of 35 facilities while actively exploring private sector involvement for the remaining projects. The current state of the SDA Church’s proposal, as well as the government’s drive to encourage mining companies to take over the construction and equipment of Agenda 111 facilities, further underscores the critical nature of this request. The Ministry is expected to provide a detailed response to the RTI request, shedding light on the government’s plans for private sector engagement and the associated financial and contractual details.
Further details regarding the status of each partnership are also to be disclosed, including whether it is under consideration, actively negotiated, approved, concluded, suspended, or abandoned, alongside the financial and contractual terms of any proposed arrangements.
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Source: Adom Online
