Extensive investigations have uncovered that the Weija Pediatric Hospital in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana may never become a reality over challenges with the funding of the project, which could be a major lifeline to the health challenges in the country. The project, being funded by the World Bank, has stalled due to an alleged unilateral abrogation of the contract for its construction by the funding agency.
The project had been progressing rapidly until the alleged cancellation of the contract led to a complete cessation of work, which has been a major source of concern not only to the residents of the area, but the government.
The cancellation of the project is said to be due to price inconsistencies, lack of approval from the Public Procurement Authority (PPA), and the lack of a value for money audit, among others. But these, according to concerned residents and persons interested in the matter, have not been proven to be true. Notwithstanding, the project has ground to a halt.
Activists are calling on the World Bank to provide particulars of the project that led to the bank’s decision to cancel the project, given that some $14 million has already been invested in it.
Construction of the Children’s Hospital began in the erstwhile New Patriotic Party (NPP). The new 120-bed facility valued at $14 million is already 65% complete, according to the contractor on the site, Joseph Adams, with Awerco Construction Limited.
The hospital will feature an emergency unit, neonatal and pediatric intensive care units, recovery wards, three theatres, VIP wards, imaging and biomedical laboratories, an outpatient department (OPD), and a mother’s hotel.
It was expected to be completed fully this year. But the abrupt cancellation means the project may not be completed and operational this year.