The Adansi Asokwa Agenda 111 hospital project in the Ashanti Region has come under threat as illegal miners have taken over lands directly behind the facility, excavating with heavy machinery and leaving deep pits that residents fear could compromise the integrity of the multi-million-cedi healthcare investment.
Reports indicate that at least three excavators are actively operating behind the hospital walls, with miners laying pipes connected to a mechanised borehole to pump water for gold washing. The activity has resulted in muddy sludge flowing into the hospital premises and nearby homes, raising serious environmental and public health concerns.
Community leaders have expressed outrage at the development. Assembly member Agyekum described the situation as “heartbreaking”, accusing authorities of turning a blind eye despite the site being just 500 metres from the District Assembly and Police Headquarters. Former MP Kobina Tahiru Hammound also condemned the encroachment, calling it “disheartening” and vowing not to allow the “nonsense” to continue.
Residents have appealed to government and traditional leaders to intervene urgently, warning that the illegal mining could destroy the hospital project before completion.
The Agenda 111 initiative, launched in 2021, was designed to expand healthcare access nationwide by constructing district hospitals, regional facilities, and specialised centres. The Adansi Asokwa project was expected to deliver modern healthcare services to the district, but delays in completion have left the site vulnerable to encroachment.
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