By Ashiadey Dotse
President John Dramani Mahama says government will complete 35 near-finished Agenda 111 hospital projects this year as part of efforts to improve healthcare delivery across the country.
He explained that the decision follows an ongoing review of the Agenda 111 programme, with priority given to facilities that are close to completion, while others will be catered for in future budgets.
President Mahama made this known when the Northern Regional House of Chiefs paid a courtesy call on him at the Jubilee House on Friday, May 15, 2026.
He added that government is also encouraging faith-based organisations to adopt and complete some of the hospital projects to speed up delivery.
The president also revealed that the Economic and Organized Crime office ( EOCO ) is after the contractors who took mobilization for the project and never showed up on site.
The President further announced plans to establish a new cardiology centre at the Tamale Teaching Hospital to serve all five regions in the north, where such a facility is currently unavailable.
On water supply, he said government is moving to the procurement stage for the expansion of the Tamale Water System, including the construction of a new pumping station at Yapei on the White Volta to boost water supply in the Tamale metropolis.
Touching on peace and security, President Mahama stressed that peace remains the foundation for development, noting that no meaningful progress can be achieved without stability.
He assured the chiefs that the government will continue to work with stakeholders, including the National and Regional Houses of Chiefs, to promote peace, particularly in conflict-prone areas such as Bimbilla.
The President also acknowledged concerns about the completion of the Northern Regional House of Chiefs Secretariat and said he has directed the relevant ministries to provide a roadmap for its completion.
On social issues, he described drug abuse among the youth as a serious national concern and called on traditional leaders to support efforts to curb the menace by helping identify those behind the distribution of narcotic substances.
President Mahama reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working closely with traditional authorities, describing them as key partners in governance, peace-building, and development.
He urged continued collaboration to build a peaceful, prosperous, and inclusive Northern Region, adding that the government remains open to engaging traditional leaders at all times.
