Misprocurement behind delay in Weija Paediatric Hospital opening

The Ministry of Health has attributed delays in the operationalisation of the Weija Paediatric Hospital to procurement irregularities and unresolved contractual issues, following protests by residents demanding that the facility be opened.

The fully furnished 120-bed hospital, completed in early 2025, is expected to serve as a major referral centre for paediatric care, easing congestion at existing health facilities and improving outcomes for critically ill children in Weija-Gbawe and surrounding communities.

On Tuesday, May 5, 2026, residents staged a protest at the premises, calling on the government to immediately commission the facility for use.

In a statement issued by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Tony Goodman, the Ministry said the hospital—funded by the World Bank and initiated in 2023—was originally scheduled for completion in December 2025 but encountered setbacks after concerns were raised by the funding partner.

According to the statement, the World Bank flagged “misprocurement,” including allegations that some medical equipment costs had been inflated to as much as 11 times their actual price, prompting the institution to withhold settlement of outstanding payments.

The Ministry said it had taken steps to engage all relevant stakeholders and was prepared to commission the hospital, but the contractor halted the process, insisting that all outstanding issues be resolved before access to the facility could be granted.

“The Ministry of Health is actively engaging all stakeholders to resolve the matter in the best interest of the public,” spokesperson Tony Goodman said in the statement.

The Ministry acknowledged the importance of the hospital to Ghana’s healthcare system, particularly in delivering specialised care for children, and appealed for calm.

“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 said.