The World Bank has urged the government to, as a matter of urgency, operationalise and open the $10.5 million Weija Paediatric Facility (WPF).
The 120-bed hospital, constructed by the government last year, was funded by the World Bank under its COVID-19 Emergency Preparedness and Response Project (P173788) at a cost of $10.15 million.
In a statement copied to The Ghanaian Times yesterday, the World Bank indicated that the project closed on December 16, 2025, after a six-month extension to allow for the completion of key activities for which the government had not released International Development Association (IDA) funds.
The Bank explained that despite the extension, a number of activities remained incomplete at the close of the project.
These, it said, included the installation of some equipment at the Weija hospital and the implementation of selected safety measures required under the Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework for health facilities.
According to the statement, the government might still utilise undisbursed IDA funds under the project to settle outstanding obligations for eligible activities until June 16, 2025.
However, it stressed that the government would need to use its own resources to complete all outstanding environmental and social safeguard obligations, as well as settle expenditures deemed ineligible for IDA financing.
The Bank further noted that beyond completing the physical works and safety requirements, the facility would require adequate staffing before it could begin operations and serve the public.
It emphasised that to fully operationalise the hospital, the government would need to complete the necessary actions and assign staff to the facility.
The World Bank reiterated its commitment to engaging with the government to ensure that the hospital becomes operational as soon as possible.
The Weija Paediatric Facility is expected to play a critical role in improving access to specialised healthcare services for children, particularly in Accra and surrounding communities.
Health experts have indicated that the opening of the hospital would help reduce pressure on existing health facilities while improving emergency and referral services for children.
Residents within the Weija enclave and adjoining areas have also expressed hope that the facility would soon be opened to address the growing healthcare needs of children in the area.
The completion and operationalisation of the hospital are expected to strengthen Ghana’s healthcare infrastructure and enhance the country’s preparedness in responding to public health emergencies involving children.
BY KINGSLEY ASARE
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