Weija Pediatric Hospital project halted after World Bank cancels contract

Work on the long-awaited Pediatric Hospital at Weija has ground to a halt following what sources describe as an alleged cancellation of the construction contract by the World Bank.

The development has left residents, health advocates and government officials deeply worried, as the 120-bed facility was expected to greatly ease pressure on the child health system in the Greater Accra Region.

Investigations reveal that the funding agency reportedly withdrew over concerns, including price discrepancies, lack of Public Procurement Authority approval and the absence of a value for money audit.

Community members and individuals following the matter insist that no clear evidence has been offered to justify these claims. Their frustration has grown as the once active construction site now sits silent.

Contractor Joseph Adams of Awerco Construction Limited confirmed that the hospital was already 65 per cent complete.

He described the sudden stop in activity as a heavy blow to progress, especially with about 14 million dollars already invested in the project.

He said the facility was designed to host emergency care, neonatal and pediatric intensive care units, operating theatres, recovery wards, a mother’s hotel, imaging services and laboratories.

“We were on track to hand over a fully functional hospital this year. Watching everything pause without clarity is heartbreaking,” he said.