Residents of Jei River, a suburb of Kasoa Ofaakor in the Awutu Senya East Municipality, say their hopes for improved healthcare have turned into fear and frustration after an abandoned Agenda 111 hospital project was reportedly taken over by squatters and suspected criminals.

The uncompleted health facility, located in the Central Region, has remained deserted since construction work stopped shortly after the 2024 general elections. Residents say the contractor abandoned the site, leaving the project incomplete and the community exposed to growing insecurity.

According to a report by adomonline.com, construction on the hospital began in 2023, two years later than originally planned, due to unresolved land disputes. The project is currently estimated to be about 41 per cent complete.

But instead of becoming a much-needed healthcare centre, residents say the abandoned structure has become a hideout for criminals and a breeding ground for dangerous animals.

Community members claim attacks and robberies in the area have become increasingly common, with some senior high school students said to be among recent victims. Residents say the situation is particularly worrying because the abandoned project is located close to the Municipal Assembly.

For many people in Kasoa and surrounding communities, the delay in completing the hospital has also deepened the burden of accessing healthcare.

According to the 2021 Population and Housing Census, Kasoa has a population of more than 236,000 people, but currently relies on only one polyclinic and a mother-and-child hospital to serve residents.

As a result, many sick residents are often forced to travel long distances to places such as Winneba and Weija-Gbawe to seek medical attention, a challenge they believe the Agenda 111 hospital was expected to ease significantly.

Residents are now appealing to John Dramani Mahama and the Ministry of Health to intervene urgently and ensure that the contractor returns to the site to complete the project before the situation worsens further.

NA/BAI

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