Ghana’s Ministry of Health has attributed the ongoing Weija Paediatric Hospital delay to procurement irregularities and unresolved contractual disputes, following protests by residents demanding the facility’s immediate opening.
The 120-bed hospital, located in Weija, was completed in early 2025 and is expected to serve as a major referral centre for paediatric care in the Weija-Gbawe Municipality and surrounding communities.
Tensions escalated on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, when residents staged a protest at the facility, urging government to operationalise the hospital to ease pressure on existing health centres.
The hospital is seen as critical to improving outcomes for critically ill children and reducing congestion in major facilities across the capital.
Procurement Concerns Stall Progress
In a statement, Ministry spokesperson Tony Goodman disclosed that the project encountered setbacks after concerns were raised by the World Bank, which funded the initiative.
According to the Ministry, the World Bank flagged “misprocurement,” citing allegations that some medical equipment costs had been inflated “to as much as 11 times their actual price.” This prompted the institution to withhold settlement of outstanding payments.
Although the Ministry indicated readiness to commission the hospital, the contractor has reportedly halted the process, insisting that all outstanding issues be resolved before handing over the facility.
“The Ministry of Health is actively engaging all stakeholders to resolve the matter in the best interest of the public,” Mr Goodman stated.
Government Appeals for Calm
The Ministry acknowledged the strategic importance of the hospital to Ghana’s healthcare system and appealed to residents to remain calm as efforts continue to resolve the impasse.
“We wish to assure the public that the Ministry of Health is committed to working assiduously to ensure the full operationalisation of the Paediatric Hospital,” the statement added.
Once operational, the facility is expected to significantly strengthen specialised child healthcare delivery in the Greater Accra Region.
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