The Ministry of Health has responded to public concern following a demonstration by residents of Weija on May 5, 2026, over delays in opening the Weija Paediatric Hospital.
In a press release issued by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Tony Goodman, the Ministry acknowledged the protest and explained the challenges affecting the operationalisation of the facility.
The hospital, a World Bank-funded project, began construction in 2023 and was expected to be completed by December 2025.
It was designed to provide specialised healthcare services for children and improve paediatric care in the area.
According to the Ministry, progress on the project was disrupted in 2024 after the World Bank raised concerns about procurement processes.
These concerns included allegations that some medical equipment had been overpriced, reportedly up to eleven times their actual cost. Due to these issues, the World Bank declined to settle all outstanding payments related to the project.
The Ministry said it engaged key stakeholders and was ready to commission the hospital for public use. However, the contractor in charge of the project halted the process, insisting that all financial and contractual disputes be resolved before handing over the facility.
This situation has led to frustration among residents of Weija and surrounding communities, who took to the streets to demand the immediate opening of the hospital.
Protesters argued that the delay is denying children access to much-needed healthcare services.
In its response, the Ministry assured the public that efforts are ongoing to resolve the impasse. It emphasised the importance of the hospital to Ghana’s healthcare system and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the facility becomes operational.
