An abandoned Agenda 111 hospital project at Assin Darmang in the Assin South District has become a symbol of neglect and frustration for residents, as the nearly completed facility deteriorates into a hideout for reptiles, drug users and weeds instead of serving thousands in need of healthcare.
The project, estimated to be about 85 per cent complete, has been left idle for years, with overgrown vegetation, eroded grounds and locked warehouses creating what residents describe as a dangerous and heartbreaking scene.
During a visit to the site by the Ghana News Agency, a giant cobra was spotted coiled near the entrance of the morgue building, narrowly missing a reporter and an escort. Several other snakes reportedly disappeared into nearby crevices and bushes as the team moved around the abandoned facility.
Parts of the compound have also reportedly become a gathering place for young people who openly smoke substances in some of the rooms left unfinished.
The deteriorating state of the project has intensified concerns among residents and local authorities, who say the absence of a district hospital continues to endanger lives in the largely rural district.
Jonathan Birikorang, the Assin South District Chief Executive, described the situation as unacceptable and expressed optimism that the government would complete the facility under President John Dramani Mahama’s pledge to finish abandoned national projects.
“The sight breaks my heart,” he said, adding that residents frequently travel long distances to seek medical care because existing health facilities in the district are inadequate.
According to him, patients are often referred to facilities such as St. Francis Xavier Hospital, Abura-Dunkwa Government Hospital and Asikuma Government Hospital, placing pressure on neighbouring districts and increasing the burden on patients and caregivers.
Mr Birikorang further disclosed that the district’s only ambulance had been out of service for months, worsening emergency response challenges across communities separated by long distances.
Susana Bill, District Director of the Ghana Health Service, appealed to government to prioritise completion of the hospital, stressing that the facility would significantly improve primary healthcare delivery and reduce referrals to already congested regional hospitals.
She noted that the project would enhance maternal and child healthcare, emergency treatment, diagnostics and routine surgical services at the district level.
Traditional authorities have also joined the call for urgent action. Nana Okofo Kwadwo Bi Benti II, Chief of Darmang, described the absence of a district hospital as unfortunate and appealed for the project to be completed without further delay.
Residents in communities including Assin Darmang, Nyankomasi Ahenkro and Homaho shared painful experiences of travelling long distances at odd hours to seek healthcare.
A resident and mother of three, Madam Matilda Asare Boadu, appealed to government to complete and equip the facility to save lives.
“Our plea is simple and urgent — finish the hospital, equip and staff it, so that the next mother in labour and the next accident victim will not have to travel long distances for care,” she said.
