The Ministry of Health has attributed the prolonged delay in opening the Weija Children’s Hospital to procurement irregularities, funding challenges, and unresolved contractual disputes, despite the facility being structurally completed.
The explanation comes amid growing public frustration, following a protest by residents of Weija-Gbawe on May 5, where demonstrators called for the immediate operationalisation of the hospital to address gaps in paediatric healthcare.
Protesters, dressed in red and black, described the delay as unjustified, noting that the hospital—reportedly completed about two years ago—could help reduce pressure on existing health facilities and prevent avoidable child deaths. They also raised concerns about unemployed health professionals while a fully equipped facility remains unused.
In a statement issued on May 5, the Ministry acknowledged the concerns but pointed to serious procurement breaches as a key factor behind the delay. It revealed that the project, funded by the World Bank and initiated in 2023, encountered difficulties in 2024 after irregularities were identified.
According to the Ministry, these issues involved inflated pricing of medical equipment—reportedly up to eleven times their actual cost—prompting the World Bank to withhold payments, which created a funding shortfall.
The situation has been further complicated by a dispute with the contractor. The Ministry stated that although it was ready to commission the hospital, the contractor denied access, insisting that all outstanding financial and contractual matters be settled first.
This standoff has effectively prevented the government from putting the completed facility into use.
Despite the challenges, the Ministry says it is engaging all relevant stakeholders to resolve the impasse and bring the hospital into operation. It also emphasized the importance of the facility in delivering specialised healthcare services for children.
The issue has drawn political attention, with local leadership—including the Member of Parliament for Weija-Gbawe—expressing concern over the lack of a clear timeline for opening the hospital.
The 120-bed specialist facility was designed to significantly strengthen paediatric care in Ghana, but remains idle as efforts continue to resolve the outstanding issues. The Ministry has appealed to residents to remain patient while steps are taken to operationalise the hospital.
Source: myjoyonline.com
