The former Member of Parliament (MP) for Adansi Asokwa, K.T. Hammond, has raised alarm over the takeover of the Agenda 111 hospital project site by illegal miners, who are popularly known as galamsey operators, warning that the development threatens a major state investment intended to improve healthcare delivery in the district.
Mr. Hammond said he received reports from constituents that galamsey operators were excavating portions of the hospital grounds, prompting him to visit the site.
He expressed disappointment at the level of environmental destruction, describing it as unacceptable for a project that was close to completion.
“I received a report from one of my constituents and, considering the environmental destruction within the facility which was commenced during my tenure, I cannot sit aloof and allow this nonsense to continue,” he said.
The former legislator explained that the hospital project was initiated under the Agenda 111 programme during the administration of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to provide quality healthcare for residents of Adansi Asokwa, who have long depended on hospitals in Obuasi, New Edubiase and Fomena for medical services.
He said it was disheartening to see the facility, estimated to be about 90 percent complete, abandoned after the change of government and now overrun by illegal mining activities.
Mr. Hammond also criticised the current administration’s handling of illegal mining, arguing that while the National Democratic Congress (NDC) had strongly condemned galamsey and called for a state of emergency when it was in opposition, the situation had deteriorated under the current government.
He further contended that had the previous administration remained in office, the hospital would have been completed and operational by now.
An independent visit to the site by the paper revealed extensive excavation within the premises of the abandoned hospital project, where illegal miners are operating with heavy equipment.
The once-active construction site has become overgrown with weeds and has reportedly turned into a habitat for reptiles.
The illegal mining activities are taking place within about 100 metres of several key government institutions, including the Adansi Asokwa District Police Headquarters, the District Assembly, the District Court and other public offices.
Some residents said the continued operations had raised serious questions about law enforcement, given the proximity of the mining site to the offices of the District Chief Executive (DCE), who also chairs the District Security Council (DISEC).
Assembly Member for the Bawdwesango Electoral Area, Frederick Agyekum, described the situation as unfortunate, saying illegal mining continued to destroy fertile agricultural land across the district.
He said it was disturbing that the District Police Headquarters was located next to the galamsey site, yet the illegal activities continued unabated, creating the impression that those responsible for enforcing the law had failed to act.
He also expressed concern that the excavation could expose the nearly completed hospital to flooding because of its proximity to the Jimi River.
Kate Adu Nyaanta, a resident, warned that environmental degradation caused by illegal mining had contributed to flooding in many parts of the country, and feared the hospital could face a similar fate if the destruction continued.
She appealed to the government to intervene immediately to halt the mining activities before irreversible damage was caused to the facility.
Another resident, Madam Akosua Yiwah, called on traditional authorities to expose those behind the illegal mining operations, saying the public deserved to know who was responsible for destroying a project funded with taxpayers’ money.
She further warned that any interference with the natural course of the Jimi River could increase the risk of severe flooding during the rainy season, endangering patients, health workers and surrounding communities once the hospital became operational.
The residents have called on the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Minerals Commission and the Ghana Police Service to investigate the activities and take immediate steps to protect the hospital project and the surrounding environment.
They said safeguarding the Agenda 111 hospital was essential to ensuring improved healthcare delivery for the people of Adansi Asokwa and neighbouring communities.
A Daily Guide Report