A spokesperson for the Bawumia Campaign Team has refuted claims regarding the construction of the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC), saying that it was not initiated by former President John Mahama.
Instead, Dennis Miracles Aboagye attributed the establishment of the UGMC to the efforts of late President John Evans Atta-Mills and current President Nana Akufo-Addo.
In an address at the Next Chapter series organised by the Bawumia campaign team on Sunday, June 16, Mr Aboagye clarified the project’s history.
He stated that late President Atta-Mills undertook 70% of the UGMC construction, while President Akufo-Addo completed the remaining 30%.
This statement aimed to correct the misconception surrounding the origins of the UGMC.
“President Mahama never built the University of Ghana Medical Centre. He had no hand in the construction of the University of Ghana Medical Centre. Two presidents rather constructed the edifice.
“Former President Mills built phase one of the University of Ghana Medical Centre which he couldn’t complete. Former President Mahama came to continue and he didn’t finish it. President Akufo-Addo came to complete the phase one and commissioned it.”
“President Akufo-Addo came and went to Parliament for approval of the loan to construct phase two of the University of Ghana Medical Centre.
“The loan facility for phase two forms part of the loans Akufo-Addo is always accused by the NDC that he has accumulated,” he said.
Therefore, he concluded that Mr. Mahama played no role in the construction of the project and, consequently, should not be credited for it.
“Let me put on record tonight that it is never true that Mahama built UGMC. President Mahama, His Excellency the former president, had no hand in the construction of the University of Ghana Medical Centre.
“It was built by former President Mills and President Akufo-Addo. President Mills completed 70% of phase one whereas Akufo-Addo came to complete it,” he added.
His remarks come amidst political discussions concerning infrastructure development in Ghana, with the UGMC often cited as a significant healthcare project.