The Weija Children’s Hospital is set to be opened for public use soon following an agreement between the Ministry of Health and Awerco Construction Limited on the immediate handover of the facility.
The agreement was brokered by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) after a series of engagements between the two parties.
According to a statement issued by EOCO’s Public Affairs and Education Unit on Thursday, July 16, the Ministry of Health and Awerco Construction Limited have agreed to proceed with the handover of the hospital to allow healthcare services to commence.
“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,” portions of the statement read.
EOCO said the agreement was reached despite outstanding issues relating to the project, including claims by the contractor over unpaid sums and concerns raised by the project’s financier regarding procurement processes and related matters.
“In the interest of the public and to ensure that the completed facility begins serving its intended purpose, the parties have agreed that the hospital be handed over and operationalised without further delay,” EOCO stated.
The office added that the resolution would pave the way for the commissioning and opening of the facility, allowing children and families to access specialised healthcare services.
EOCO, however, stressed that its investigations into alleged procurement breaches, financial impropriety and other related matters concerning the project are still ongoing.
“The agreement to hand over and operationalise the hospital does not in any way affect or prejudice the investigations currently being conducted by EOCO,” the statement noted.
The anti-graft agency commended the Ministry of Health and Awerco Construction Limited for prioritising the national interest and cooperating to reach an agreement that will allow the facility to serve its intended purpose.