The Ministry of Health has reacted to a protest held on May 5, 2026, at the Weija Paediatric Hospital, assuring the public that steps are being taken to make the facility operational despite existing setbacks.
According to the Ministry, the hospital project—funded by the World Bank—commenced in 2023 and was expected to be completed by December 2025. However, progress stalled in 2024 after the World Bank raised concerns over procurement irregularities. These issues reportedly included allegations of inflated prices for medical equipment, some of which were said to be as high as 11 times their actual market value.
Following these concerns, the World Bank withheld payment of outstanding funds, a situation that has contributed significantly to delays in completing and handing over the facility.
The Ministry explained that it has engaged relevant stakeholders and is prepared to commission the hospital for public use. However, the contractor has suspended the process, insisting that all pending financial and contractual disputes be resolved before access is granted to the facility.
While acknowledging the concerns of residents, especially those in Weija, the Ministry stressed that it is actively working to resolve the deadlock in a way that safeguards the public interest.
It further highlighted the importance of the hospital, noting that it is expected to strengthen Ghana’s healthcare delivery system, particularly in specialised paediatric care.
The Ministry has therefore urged residents and the general public to remain patient as discussions continue, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring the facility becomes fully operational as soon as possible.
The statement was issued by Tony Goodman, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Health.
