The long-delayed Weija Children’s Hospital project has taken a fresh turn after the contractor responsible for the facility was reportedly picked up by officials of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) following a meeting with the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh.
The meeting, held on Friday, July 10, focused on the completion and handover of the 120-bed specialist hospital, which has remained unoperational for more than two years despite the completion of its main infrastructure.
Sources familiar with the discussions told Citi News that the government urged the contractor to hand over the facility to enable its opening for public use.
Handover Dispute Emerges
According to sources, the contractor declined the request, insisting that the hospital would not be handed over until outstanding payments under the contract had been settled or government provided firm assurances regarding the remaining balance.
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The contractor reportedly maintained that unresolved financial obligations prevented the release of the facility.
EOCO Picks Up Contractor
Following the meeting, officials of the Economic and Organised Crime Office reportedly picked up the contractor and transported him to the agency’s headquarters.
Neither EOCO nor the Ministry of Health has officially commented on the circumstances surrounding the development.
Hospital Remains Unused
The Weija Children’s Hospital has become the focus of growing public concern after remaining closed despite being structurally completed for more than two years.
The facility was constructed to improve access to specialised paediatric healthcare services and reduce pressure on major referral hospitals, including the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital and the Princess Marie Louise Children’s Hospital.
Critical Health Facility Delayed
The 120-bed hospital is expected to provide specialised care for newborns, children and adolescents through modern wards, operating theatres, intensive care units and outpatient services.
However, unresolved contractual and administrative issues, including disputes over outstanding payments and ancillary works, have continued to delay its commissioning.
Calls for Resolution
The prolonged delay has attracted criticism from residents and health sector stakeholders, who argue that opening the hospital would significantly improve paediatric healthcare services and ease pressure on existing facilities.
With the latest developments, attention is expected to shift toward resolving the outstanding contractual issues to allow the long-awaited hospital to begin serving the public.
