Residents of Adansi Asokwa in the Ashanti Region are raising alarm over illegal mining activities around an unfinished Agenda 111 hospital project, warning that the excavations could damage the facility and expose it to flooding once it becomes operational.
According to residents, illegal miners have taken over portions of land surrounding the nearly completed hospital, excavating large sections within the project area despite its proximity to several key government institutions.
The hospital forms part of the Agenda 111 initiative launched in 2021 by the Akufo-Addo administration to improve access to healthcare through the construction of district hospitals across the country.
Residents estimate that construction on the Adansi Asokwa facility is about 90 per cent complete but say work has stalled since the change of government following the 2024 general elections.
The illegal mining operations are taking place close to the district police headquarters, the district assembly and the district court, raising concerns about the apparent lack of enforcement against the miners.
Assembly Member for the Bawdwesango Electoral Area, Agyekum, described the situation as worrying, saying illegal mining continues to destroy fertile farmlands and now threatens a major public investment.
“It is heartbreaking to see illegal mining destroying our arable lands,” he said, questioning why the activity has continued despite its close proximity to the district police headquarters.
Residents also fear the excavations, combined with the hospital’s location near the River Jimi, could significantly increase the risk of flooding during heavy rains.
A resident, Kate Adu Nyaanta, warned that environmental degradation around the project could leave the hospital vulnerable to flooding, posing a danger to both patients and healthcare workers.
“We are pleading with the President and all the relevant authorities to act immediately to stop this menace before it destroys this important national investment,” she appealed.
Another resident, Akosua Yiwah, called on traditional authorities to identify those behind the illegal mining operations, warning that interference with the river’s natural course could have serious consequences for surrounding communities.
Former Member of Parliament for Adansi Asokwa, K. T. Hammond, who said he played a key role in securing the hospital project, also condemned the mining activities.
He expressed disappointment that the facility had been left exposed after construction stalled and called for urgent intervention to protect the investment.
“I cannot sit aloof and allow this nonsense to continue,” Hammond stated.
Residents are urging the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Minerals Commission and the Ghana Police Service to investigate the illegal mining activities and halt further environmental destruction around the project.
Despite mounting concerns and the mining site’s proximity to major state institutions, the Ashanti Regional Security Council is yet to publicly comment on the matter.
