The Weija Children’s Hospital is expected to open its doors to the public soon following an agreement between the Ministry of Health and Awerco Construction Limited on the immediate handover and operationalisation of the facility.
The agreement was reached after a series of engagements facilitated by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), with the parties agreeing to proceed with the handover to enable the commencement of healthcare services for children and families.
The resolution comes despite outstanding issues relating to the project, including claims by the contractor over unpaid sums and concerns raised by the project’s financier regarding alleged procurement issues and other related matters.
EOCO said the parties, in the interest of the public and to ensure that the completed facility begins serving its intended purpose, have agreed to proceed with the handover and operationalisation of the hospital without further delay.
The Office said the agreement will pave the way for the commissioning and opening of the facility, allowing the public to access much-needed specialised healthcare services.
However, EOCO stressed that its investigations into alleged procurement breaches, financial impropriety and other related matters concerning the project remain ongoing.
It emphasised that the decision to hand over and operationalise the hospital does not in any way affect or prejudice the investigations currently being conducted.
EOCO commended the Ministry of Health and Awerco Construction Limited for prioritising the national interest and cooperating to reach what it described as an important resolution.
The Office reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public resources, promoting accountability and ensuring that public infrastructure projects deliver their intended benefits to the people of Ghana.
Story by Freedom Etsey Lavoe