The Ministry of Health has assured Ghanaians that urgent steps are being taken to operationalise the delayed Weija Paediatric Hospital following public demonstrations over the facility’s prolonged closure.
In a press statement, the Ministry acknowledged concerns surrounding the project and appealed for calm as discussions continue with stakeholders to resolve outstanding challenges affecting the hospital’s opening.
The assurance follows a demonstration by residents and community members in Weija who expressed frustration over delays in commissioning the specialist children’s hospital, which was initially expected to become operational by December 2025.
According to the Ministry, the hospital project was funded through a World Bank supported programme that commenced in 2023 to strengthen Ghana’s healthcare infrastructure and improve access to specialised paediatric medical services.
However, the project encountered serious setbacks after procurement concerns emerged during implementation.
World Bank Flags Procurement Irregularities
The Ministry revealed that the World Bank raised concerns in 2024 over alleged procurement irregularities involving medical equipment supplied for the hospital.
According to the statement, investigations identified instances where the cost of certain medical equipment had reportedly been inflated to nearly eleven times their actual market prices.
The development prompted the World Bank to withhold payment of outstanding financial obligations connected to the project. Officials explained that the procurement concerns disrupted the completion and handover process, creating delays that have persisted into 2026.
The Ministry did not disclose the specific equipment involved or the total amount under dispute, but the revelation has intensified public scrutiny over procurement oversight and accountability in public sector projects.
Analysts say the situation highlights broader concerns about financial management practices within large publicly funded infrastructure projects, particularly those supported by international development partners.
Contractor Dispute Delays Commissioning
Despite the procurement challenges, the Ministry indicated that efforts had already been made to prepare the facility for commissioning and public use.
Authorities stated that engagements had taken place with key stakeholders to facilitate the opening of the hospital due to its strategic importance to Ghana’s healthcare delivery system.
However, the process reportedly stalled after the contractor involved in the project refused to grant access to the facility until all unresolved matters were addressed.
“The Ministry of Health engaged relevant stakeholders and was prepared to commission the facility for use. However, the contractor subsequently halted this process, insisting that all outstanding issues be fully resolved before granting access to the hospital”.
The Spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, Mr. Tony Goodman
The standoff has delayed the operationalisation of the hospital despite increasing demand for specialised healthcare services for children.
Importance of the Weija Paediatric Hospital
Health authorities say the Weija Paediatric Hospital is expected to become a major addition to Ghana’s healthcare infrastructure once operational.
The facility is designed to provide specialised medical services for children and reduce pressure on major referral hospitals currently handling paediatric cases across the country.
The hospital is also expected to improve healthcare access for residents in Accra and nearby communities while strengthening Ghana’s capacity to manage complex child healthcare needs.
Healthcare advocates argue that the delay in opening the hospital has deprived many families of urgently needed specialised services, especially as existing health facilities continue to experience overcrowding and resource constraints.
The recent demonstration by residents reflects growing public concern over the pace of delivery of critical national healthcare projects.
Ministry Appeals for Patience
In response to the public frustration, the Ministry appealed to residents of Weija and the general public to remain patient while negotiations continue. Authorities stressed that the government remains fully committed to ensuring the hospital becomes operational as soon as possible.
“The Ministry wishes to assure the people of Ghana that it is actively engaging all stakeholders to resolve the matter in the best interest of the public.
“We wish to assure the general public that the Ministry of Health is committed to working assiduously to ensure the full operationalisation of the Paediatric Hospital.”
The Spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, Mr. Tony Goodman
The Ministry further emphasized the significance of the facility within Ghana’s healthcare system, particularly in delivering specialised treatment for children.
The release was signed by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Tony Goodman. The developments surrounding the Weija Paediatric Hospital have reignited national debate about procurement transparency, contractor management, and the execution of publicly funded infrastructure projects.
The disputes involving contractors, financiers, and government agencies often contribute to costly delays that ultimately affect public access to essential services. The allegations of inflated procurement costs have also renewed calls for stronger oversight mechanisms to prevent financial irregularities in major state projects.
For residents and healthcare stakeholders, however, the immediate priority remains the opening of the hospital and the delivery of specialised healthcare services to children who depend on the facility.
As discussions continue between the Ministry, contractors, and financing partners, public attention is expected to remain fixed on how quickly the impasse can be resolved.
The Ministry’s latest assurance signals government recognition of the urgency surrounding the project and the growing demand for accountability over the delayed hospital.
