A Plus Criticizes Hajj Village Project, Prioritizes Agenda 111 Hospitals

Kwame Asare Obeng, popularly known as A Plus, the Member of Parliament for Gomoa Central, has voiced strong opposition to the proposed Hajj Village project, arguing that it diverts resources away from more pressing national priorities. A Plus’s critique centers on the claim that the Hajj Village, while intended to facilitate religious obligations, benefits only a limited segment of the population, while critical projects like the Agenda 111 hospitals, which aim to provide essential healthcare services to millions of Ghanaians, are in need of completion.

A Plus questioned the government’s rationale for prioritizing the Hajj Village, particularly in light of the new administration’s emphasis on addressing urgent national needs. He argued that completing the Agenda 111 hospitals should be the primary focus, as these facilities would provide vital healthcare services to a far broader segment of the population than the Hajj Village.

Addressing claims made by the President’s spokesperson that the Hajj Village is simply a new airport terminal being constructed by the Ghana Airports Company Ltd (GACL) and does not involve taxpayer money, A Plus dismissed this argument as disingenuous.  “Please the Ghana Airports Company does not belong to Asagyam Herbal Clinic”, he added. He pointed out that the Ghana Airport Company is a state enterprise, meaning that its funds ultimately derive from the state, making any expenditure by the GACL a use of state funds.

A Plus further argued that if there is a genuine need for a new airport terminal, the government should invest in a modern facility with improved amenities that would benefit all air travelers, rather than earmarking funds specifically for a Hajj Village.

Drawing a parallel to the controversial National Cathedral project, A Plus cautioned against repeating past mistakes. He recalled how the Akufo-Addo administration and Ken Ofori-Atta initially claimed that the National Cathedral would not cost the taxpayer a cent, only to ultimately spend over $400 million on a project that remains unfinished and has become a symbol of financial mismanagement.

A Plus concluded by criticizing the government’s response to dissenting opinions, noting that instead of engaging in constructive dialogue, government representatives often resort to insults and unsubstantiated allegations against those who speak out. Despite these challenges, A Plus expressed confidence that truth and accountability will ultimately prevail, regardless of the obstacles placed in their path.