The Paramount Chief of the Nzema Kotoko Traditional Area, Tumivole Awulae Kaku Aka III, has criticised the Akufo-Addo administration over what he describes as the exclusion of the Ahanta and Nzema enclave from the government’s flagship Agenda 111 hospital project, despite the area being the source of Ghana’s oil wealth.

The revered traditional ruler said it was difficult to comprehend why communities that host the country’s oil and gas resources were left out of a nationwide healthcare initiative designed to improve access to quality medical services and bridge Ghana’s health infrastructure deficit.

Awulae Kaku Aka III made the remarks during an interview with 1960news.com on Friday, July 25, 2026, on the sidelines of the launch of the maiden Ahanta Heritage Month celebration.

According to him, residents of the oil-producing communities expected to benefit from the Agenda 111 programme after government indicated that the ambitious project would largely be financed through proceeds from Ghana’s petroleum resources.

“They made it very clear that they were going to build Agenda 111 hospitals across the country. When I read about how the project was going to be funded, it was clear that the money would come from oil revenue,” he stated.

The Paramount Chief questioned why none of the three constituencies within the Ahanta and Nzema enclave—Evalue-Ajomoro-Gwira, Ellembelle and Jomoro—received an Agenda 111 hospital despite the region’s enormous contribution to the national economy.

“If you start from Evalue-Ajomoro-Gwira, there isn’t even a single Agenda 111 hospital. Go to Ellembelle—there is none. Go to Jomoro—there is none. Three constituencies, yet not even one Agenda 111 hospital,” he lamented.

Awulae Kaku Aka III challenged journalists and the general public to independently verify his claims, insisting that the facts speak for themselves.

“Take it upon yourselves and investigate. If I am lying, come back and challenge me. But the facts are there—there is not a single Agenda 111 hospital in these constituencies,” he added.

Beyond healthcare infrastructure, the traditional ruler lamented that residents of oil-producing communities continue to endure the environmental consequences of petroleum and gas operations while seeing little in terms of development.

He cited communities around Atuabo and Axim, where gas flaring from the Ghana Gas processing plant has reportedly made living conditions increasingly difficult for residents.

“The people of Nzema are bearing the brunt of the hazards. The heat is unbearable. When the gas flare is on, you cannot even sleep in places like Atuabo and Axim. Yet the country continues to rake in billions of dollars from oil produced on our lands,” he said.

He argued that the situation highlights a disconnect between the wealth generated from the area and the level of investment made in critical public infrastructure within the enclave.

According to him, communities that contribute significantly to Ghana’s petroleum industry deserve improved healthcare facilities, better roads, educational infrastructure and other essential social amenities.

The Paramount Chief urged successive governments to adopt a more equitable approach to the distribution of national development projects, stressing that host communities should not be overlooked when public investments are allocated.

He maintained that ensuring fair access to infrastructure in oil-producing areas would help address regional disparities and promote inclusive national development.

Awulae Kaku Aka III also emphasised that his comments were not politically motivated but stemmed from his responsibility to advocate for the welfare and development of his people.

“I will not go to any minister, MP or CEO to beg for favours. As long as I have gari and beans in my house, I can feed myself. It is better to maintain my dignity than to chase after politicians for crumbs,” he remarked.

The Agenda 111 initiative was launched by the Akufo-Addo administration to address Ghana’s healthcare infrastructure deficit following the COVID-19 pandemic. The programme sought to construct district and regional hospitals, psychiatric facilities and other health infrastructure across the country to improve access to quality healthcare and advance universal health coverage.

However, Awulae Kaku Aka III believes the omission of the Ahanta and Nzema enclave from the programme undermines the objective of equitable national development, especially considering the region’s strategic role in Ghana’s oil and gas industry.

He called on the government to prioritise healthcare and infrastructure development in oil-producing communities to ensure they benefit from the wealth generated from their lands.