Health Ministry blames procurement irregularities and payment dispute for Weija Children’s Hospital delay

The Ministry of Health Ghana has finally addressed growing public concern over the prolonged closure of the Weija Children’s Hospital, revealing that procurement irregularities, funding disputes, and unresolved contractual disagreements are at the heart of the delay—despite the facility being physically completed.

The Ministry’s response comes in the wake of rising frustration among residents of Weija-Gbawe, who staged a protest on May 5 to demand the immediate opening of the hospital. Dressed in red and black, demonstrators marched through the streets, describing the delay as unacceptable and harmful to children in need of urgent medical care.

Residents argue that the hospital, which has reportedly been completed for nearly two years, could play a crucial role in easing congestion at major health facilities across the Greater Accra Region. Many believe that operationalising the hospital could significantly reduce preventable child deaths and improve access to specialised paediatric care.

Beyond healthcare concerns, protesters also pointed to the economic implications of the delay. They noted that while the facility remains unused, trained healthcare professionals—including nurses, doctors, and support staff—remain unemployed, raising questions about resource management and planning.

In an official statement released on May 5, the Ministry acknowledged the protest and confirmed that serious procurement breaches had stalled progress. The hospital, funded by the World Bank and launched in 2023, was initially scheduled for completion by December 2025.

However, in 2024, the World Bank reportedly flagged major procurement irregularities, including inflated pricing of medical equipment—some allegedly marked up to 11 times their actual cost. These findings triggered a funding crisis.

“As a result, the World Bank declined to settle all outstanding payments,” the Ministry disclosed, creating a significant financial setback for the project.

Attempts by the government to move forward with commissioning the hospital have also been hindered by a dispute with the contractor. According to the Ministry, although it was ready to operationalise the facility, the contractor refused to grant access until all financial and contractual issues were fully resolved.

“The contractor subsequently halted this process, insisting that all outstanding issues be addressed before granting access to the hospital,” the statement explained.

This standoff has effectively left a fully completed and equipped hospital locked and inaccessible, preventing it from serving the community.

Despite the challenges, the Ministry maintains that efforts are underway to resolve the impasse. Officials say they are actively engaging all relevant stakeholders to find a solution that prioritises public interest and ensures accountability.

The Ministry also reiterated the strategic importance of the hospital, describing it as a vital addition to Ghana’s healthcare infrastructure, particularly for specialised child care services.

Meanwhile, the issue has attracted political attention, with the Member of Parliament for Weija-Gbawe expressing dissatisfaction over the continued delays and the absence of a clear timeline for commissioning.

The Weija Children’s Hospital, a 120-bed specialist facility, was envisioned as a transformative project for paediatric healthcare delivery in Ghana. However, as delays persist, pressure continues to mount on authorities to resolve the issues and make the hospital operational.

For now, the Ministry is urging residents to remain calm and patient as negotiations and corrective measures continue.