Illegal mining activities have taken over the construction site of the Agenda 111 Hospital project at Adansi Asokwa in the Ashanti Region, raising concerns over environmental degradation and the future safety of the healthcare facility.
The illegal miners, popularly known as galamsey operators, have excavated large portions of the hospital premises, prompting fears that the project could become vulnerable to flooding and other environmental hazards.
The hospital, which is estimated to be about 90 percent complete, was initiated in 2021 under the Agenda 111 programme introduced by the administration of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to provide district hospitals in underserved communities.
Construction on the project stalled following the change in government, leaving the facility abandoned and exposed to encroachment. The site has since become overgrown with weeds and reportedly attracted reptiles, while illegal miners have moved in with heavy equipment to extract minerals.
Residents say the situation is alarming because the mining activities are taking place close to key public institutions, including the Adansi Asokwa District Police Headquarters, the District Assembly and the District Court.
Assembly Member for the Bawdwesango Electoral Area, Mr. Agyekum, described the development as unfortunate, lamenting the destruction of fertile farmlands and questioning why the illegal activities have continued despite the proximity of the police headquarters.
Some residents, particularly women who had anticipated improved healthcare services from the completion of the hospital, expressed concern that continued illegal mining could expose the facility to severe flooding during the rainy season.
A resident, Kate Adu Nyaanta, warned that the extensive excavation could endanger future patients, pregnant women, nursing mothers and health workers once the hospital becomes operational. She appealed to the government and relevant authorities to intervene immediately.
Another resident, Akosua Yiwah, called on traditional authorities to be transparent about those allegedly behind the illegal mining activities. She also expressed concern about the hospital’s proximity to the Jimi River, warning that interference with the river’s natural course could worsen flooding in the area.
Former Member of Parliament for Adansi Asokwa, K. T. Hammond, also expressed disappointment over the state of the project. He noted that residents have long depended on hospitals in neighbouring communities such as Obuasi, New Edubiase and Fomena for healthcare services, making the Agenda 111 hospital a critical investment for the district.
He urged authorities to protect the project from further destruction, stressing that the facility is essential to improving healthcare delivery in the area.
