The commissioning of the Ashanti Regional 250-Bed Hospital in Sewua by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on January 4, 2025, has sparked significant controversy.
Euroget De-Invest S.A., the contractor responsible for constructing the hospital, has strongly criticized the government for commissioning the facility before its completion and in violation of contractual obligations.
Dr. Said Deraz, Group Chairman of Euroget De-Invest S.A., stated in a press release, “Euroget did not give anyone permission to enter the site. Possession is still ours until we hand over in the correct and legal manner.”
He further described the commissioning as a “breach of the contract,” noting, “We haven’t handed over, and every step should be taken to claim damages against all previous commissioning because, by this action, the President is implying that he could have commissioned those hospitals without incurring any costs on our part.”
The contractor detailed several unresolved issues with the project, including incomplete power stations, uninstalled medical equipment, and pending repairs to the landscape and staff housing.
According to Euroget, these delays stemmed from the government’s failure to provide timely payments, which disrupted the construction timeline. The contractor also emphasized that no representative of Euroget was present at the event, raising questions about the legitimacy of the commissioning.
The decision to commission the Ashanti regional hospital three days before the handover to the incoming administration of President-elect John Dramani Mahama has led to speculation about political motives. Euroget questioned the rationale behind the move, asking why an outgoing President would proceed with such an act despite the project being incomplete.
“The timing of this commissioning raises concerns about the legitimacy of the actions taken and whether they serve any political agenda rather than the interests of the citizens who rely on these healthcare facilities,” the statement read.
Stakeholders and legal experts have warned that this action could lead to prolonged legal battles, potentially delaying the hospital’s full operations.
Euroget has called on the authorities to investigate the matter and ensure adherence to contractual agreements. The contractor reaffirmed its commitment to completing the project to the highest standards once the government fulfills its obligations.
