Accra: The World Bank has urged the Government of Ghana to expedite the opening and operationalisation of the US$10.15 million Weija Paediatric Facility. The 120-bed hospital, constructed and equipped under the World Bank COVID-19 Emergency Preparedness and Response Project, is yet to become operational.
According to Ghana News Agency, the World Bank expressed a strong desire for the facility to be opened at the earliest. The project, initially set to close on December 16, 2025, received a six-month extension to complete critical activities stalled due to pending International Development Association (IDA) funding.
These activities include the installation of necessary equipment and the implementation of safety measures mandated by the Bank's Environmental and Social Framework for health facilities. The responsibility now falls on the Ghanaian Government to use its resources to meet environmental and social safeguard obligations and settle any ineligible expenditures under the IDA financing.
The World Bank emphasized that for the hospital to become fully operational, the Government must complete these essential tasks and assign staff to the facility. Continuous engagement with the government is planned to ensure the hospital opens to the public soon.
In March, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, Member of Parliament for Weija-Gbawe, urged the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, to commission the hospital promptly. Following public demonstrations by residents demanding improved access to paediatric healthcare, the Ministry of Health assured in May that delays would be addressed.
Once operational, the Weija Paediatric Facility is expected to serve as a major referral centre for paediatric care in the region. This development aims to alleviate the burden on existing healthcare facilities and improve medical outcomes for children needing specialised attention.