Weija children’s hospital set to open after EOCO deal

The long-delayed Weija Children’s Hospital is set to open its doors to the public after the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) facilitated a handover agreement between the Ministry of Health and Awerco Construction Limited.

In a press statement issued on July 16, EOCO announced that the parties had agreed to proceed with the immediate handover of the facility, paving the way for its commissioning and operationalisation to provide healthcare services to children and families.

According to EOCO, the agreement was reached following a series of engagements aimed at resolving outstanding issues that had stalled the project’s completion and use. The office said concerns relating to the contractor and matters arising from procurement processes had been addressed in the interest of the public.

“Following a series of engagements facilitated by EOCO, the parties have agreed to proceed with the handover of the hospital to the Ministry of Health to enable the commencement of healthcare services for the benefit of the Ghanaian public,” the statement said.

EOCO noted that while investigations into alleged procurement breaches, financial impropriety and other related matters connected to the project are still ongoing, the hospital’s handover and operation will not be delayed further.

The anti-graft agency expressed confidence that the understanding reached between the Ministry of Health and Awerco Construction Limited would help bring much-needed specialised healthcare services closer to children and families.

EOCO also commended both parties for what it described as their cooperation in reaching a resolution that prioritises the national interest and the delivery of essential public services.

The opening of the Weija Children’s Hospital is expected to provide a major boost to paediatric healthcare delivery in Ghana after years of delays that prevented the facility from becoming operational despite being largely completed.