By Samira Larbie, GNA
Accra, May 6, GNA – The Ministry of Health says it is addressing delays in the operationalisation of the Weija Paediatric Hospital after Tuesday’s demonstration.
The World Bank-funded project began in 2023 and was expected to be completed in December 2025.
A statement issued by the Ministry of Health said the project encountered setbacks in 2024 after the World Bank raised concerns over alleged misprocurement, including claims that the cost of some medical equipment had been inflated by up to eleven times their actual value.
It said this led to the World Bank declining to settle outstanding payments related to the project.
The Ministry said it had engaged stakeholders and taken steps towards commissioning, but the process was halted by the contractor, who insisted that all outstanding contractual and financial issues be resolved before access to the facility was granted.
It acknowledged concerns raised by residents culminating in the demonstration, and stressed the hospital’s importance to the health system, particularly paediatric care.
“The Ministry of Health is committed to working assiduously to ensure the full operationalisation of the Paediatric Hospital,” the statement said.
The Ministry appealed to residents of Weija and the public to remain calm and exercise patience as efforts continue to resolve the challenges and bring the facility into full operation.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey
Reporter: Samira Larbie
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