The World Bank has urged the government to quickly open the 120-bed Weija Pediatric Hospital, saying several important works remain unfinished despite the completion of the project that funded the facility.
The hospital was built and equipped under the World Bank-supported COVID-19 Emergency Preparedness and Response Project at US$10.15 million.
The project officially ended on December 16, 2025, after the government was granted a six-month extension to complete delayed activities linked to the release of International Development Association (IDA) funds.
However, some work was still incomplete when the project closed. These include the installation of certain medical equipment and the implementation of some safety measures required under the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework for health facilities.
In a statement, the World Bank said it wants the government to operationalise and open the hospital as soon as possible.
The Bank explained that Ghana can still use remaining undisbursed IDA funds under the project to pay for eligible outstanding activities until June 16, 2025.
It added that any expenses considered ineligible under the IDA funding rules, as well as pending environmental and social safety obligations, would have to be funded directly by the government.
“To fully operationalise the hospital, the Government will need to complete these necessary actions and assign staff to the facility,” the statement said.
The hospital is expected to improve specialised healthcare services for children in the Greater Accra Region and reduce pressure on existing referral hospitals.
The World Bank also said it remains in discussions with the government to ensure the hospital opens and all remaining requirements are met.
