Weija Children’s Specialist Hospital commences operations; 40 more health workers to be employed

The Weija-Gbawe Children’s Specialist Hospital has commenced operations and is now receiving referred patients, in a move expected to expand access to specialised paediatric care and ease pressure on existing referral hospitals.

Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh announced the operationalisation of the facility during an unannounced working visit, on Friday, October 2, 2026, barely a month after the contractor handed it over to government.

For many families seeking specialised medical care for their children, access to timely treatment remains a challenge, particularly when critical cases require referrals to a limited number of facilities across the country.

The 120-bed Weija Children’s Specialist Hospital is expected to help address this gap by providing specialised care for newborns, children and adolescents.

The facility was constructed and equipped under the World Bank-funded COVID-19 Emergency Preparedness and Response Project.

During the Health Minister’s visit, major medical equipment and machines were found ready for use, with some services already being provided.

“Concerning the issues between government and the contractor, they are being resolved. What is important is that the facility is put to good use for the citizens, and that is what we are doing at the moment. Whatever is between government and the contractor is being resolved,” Akandoh said.

The Medical Director of the facility, Dr Nana Okai Brako, said the hospital is gradually expanding its services, with outpatient care already underway.

“It’s now in operation. Almost all the equipment they need are fully installed. They are upgrading their services. We are going to carry this in three phases. The first phase is to run the OPD services, which we have started.

“This facility is a secondary-level facility, so we take referrals and not just walk-ins. You can walk in and it will be paid, but when it is referral, the NHIS covers,” he said.

To strengthen the hospital’s human resource capacity, the Health Minister has directed the immediate deployment of 10 medical doctors and 30 nurses and midwives to support service delivery.

“I have directed that with immediate effect, they should bring additional 10 medical doctors and 30 nurses and midwives to beef up the health workforce.

“We have also impressed upon them to make sure they keep the facility well, maintain it and try to treat the patients with respect and dignity. What Ghanaians wanted to see is that this facility is in full operation, and today we have it,” Akandoh said.

The hospital’s opening had been delayed by unresolved contractual and administrative challenges, including concerns raised by the World Bank over procurement, outstanding payments and the completion of ancillary works.

The project, which commenced in 2023, was intended to strengthen Ghana’s capacity to respond to public health emergencies while expanding critical healthcare infrastructure.

However, concerns over the procurement of medical equipment and other outstanding obligations delayed the process of handing over the facility for public use.

The delays had raised concerns among residents and other stakeholders, who called for the hospital to be opened to help meet the growing demand for specialised paediatric services.

By Beatrice Sowah