The Ministry of Health says World Bank procurement concerns stalled progress on the Weija Paediatric Hospital, prompting calls for patience while issues are addressed.
A hospital that residents say is essential for children’s care remains closed, as cost and procurement concerns delay the opening of the Weija Paediatric Hospital.
The Ministry of Health says it is working to resolve delays after residents staged a protest demanding the facility become operational. In a statement issued on 5 May 2026, the ministry said the project began in 2023 and was originally expected to be completed by December 2025.
In this context, the sticking point is tied to issues raised by the World Bank, which helped fund the work. The ministry said the lender flagged concerns in 2024 about procurement practices, and that progress has stalled as a result.
This matters because when financing partners raise procurement red flags, the ripple effects can be felt far beyond paperwork, often delaying access to services communities have been expecting.
According to the ministry, the World Bank cited cases of misprocurement, including allegations that some medical equipment may have been priced far above its actual cost. The ministry said the lender declined to settle outstanding payments linked to the project.
The ministry added that it engaged stakeholders and was ready to commission the hospital, but that the contractor halted the process. It said the facility cannot be opened until unresolved issues are addressed.
Meanwhile, residents in Weija have expressed frustration at the prolonged closure, demonstrating over the continued delay of a hospital viewed locally as vital for children’s healthcare.. The protests underline how quickly delays in health infrastructure can shift from administrative problems to public urgency.
The ministry acknowledged that the Weija Paediatric Hospital is critical to improving specialised care for children within Ghana’s health system. It said discussions are ongoing to resolve the impasse and move toward making the hospital operational.
At the same time, the ministry appealed to residents and the wider public to remain patient while efforts continue. For communities waiting on child-focused services, the promise of commissioning may offer hope, but the timeline depends on clearing the disputes holding the project back.
In the end, the ministry’s message is clear: the hospital is not just about finishing construction, but about ensuring procurement and related obligations are settled before patients benefit.