Omanghana
The Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) has facilitated a major breakthrough between the Ministry of Health and Awerco Construction Limited, paving the way for the immediate operationalization of the long-delayed Weija Children’s Hospital.
The agreement will allow the government to take full control of the completed specialist medical facility and begin preparations to provide pediatric healthcare services to the public.
Ministry of Health Takes Control of 120-Bed Facility
In a statement issued by EOCO on July 16, 2026, the agency confirmed that the handover agreement enables the Ministry of Health to assume responsibility for the 120-bed specialist children’s hospital.
The development brings an end to a prolonged dispute that had prevented the facility from opening despite the completion of major construction works.
With the agreement now in place, health authorities can begin the final stages required to make the hospital fully operational, including equipment installation, facility preparation, and deployment of medical personnel.
Dispute Delayed Hospital Opening
The Weija Children’s Hospital had remained closed due to unresolved disagreements between the contractor and the state.
Awerco Construction Limited had previously declined to hand over the facility, arguing that outstanding payments were still owed by the government.
The contractor maintained that releasing the keys without a clear settlement arrangement would expose the company to financial losses.
At the same time, concerns were raised by international financiers involved in the project, who reportedly identified procurement challenges and possible mis procurement issues during the construction process.
These disputes contributed to years of delays, preventing children and families from benefiting from the specialized healthcare facility.
EOCO Intervention Leads to Breakthrough
The agreement follows heightened developments earlier in the week when the dispute escalated.
On Friday, July 10, 2026, the managing contractor was invited to a meeting with Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh to resolve the outstanding issues and secure the release of the facility.
However, after the contractor reportedly refused to hand over the keys without immediate payment or firm financial guarantees, EOCO officials intervened.
The state investigative agency subsequently took custody of the contractor following the meeting as part of its ongoing efforts to address issues surrounding the project.
Criminal Investigations Ongoing
EOCO has confirmed that investigations into the Weija Children’s Hospital project are continuing.
The probe is focused on allegations relating to procurement irregularities, possible financial misconduct, and other concerns linked to the development and financing of the facility.
Officials say the investigation will proceed alongside efforts to ensure that the hospital is delivered for public use.
Hospital Staff Ready for Deployment
The Ministry of Health has indicated that essential medical personnel have already been prepared and are on standby to begin operations once the facility is ready.
Following the handover, ministry teams are expected to move onto the site to:
- Complete the installation of critical medical equipment.
- Conduct a comprehensive asset inventory assessment.
- Prepare specialized pediatric wards and treatment units.
- Finalize operational requirements before receiving patients.
Boost for Ghana’s Pediatric Healthcare System
The opening of the Weija Children’s Hospital is expected to significantly improve access to specialized healthcare services for children in Ghana.
The facility is designed to provide advanced pediatric care and reduce pressure on existing hospitals that currently handle complex childhood medical cases.
Health authorities say the successful resolution of the handover dispute represents an important step toward ensuring that public investments translate into accessible healthcare services for Ghanaians.
Source: Omanghana
