The Weija-Gbawe Children’s Specialist Hospital, a critical 120-bed facility designed to significantly enhance paediatric healthcare in Ghana, remains uncommissioned despite its full completion for an extended period. This situation has generated widespread concern among local residents, particularly mothers in the municipality, and has drawn strong criticism from political figures.

Envisioned as one of Ghana’s largest dedicated children’s health facilities, the hospital boasts state-of-the-art infrastructure, including a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), a paediatric intensive care unit (PICU), 120-bed wards, comprehensive emergency services, and a mother’s hostel to accommodate caregivers. The facility is also equipped with modern medical technology, such as CT scanners, X-ray machines, and other essential diagnostic equipment. This ambitious project, funded by the World Bank and developed under the Ministry of Health, was intended to function as a major referral centre, thereby alleviating pressure on existing health facilities and improving outcomes for critically ill children in Weija-Gbawe and surrounding communities. Construction was undertaken by Awerco Construction Ltd.

The prolonged delay in making the hospital operational has led to considerable frustration, with residents describing the situation as wasteful. Reports indicate that some rooms have had their air conditioners running constantly for an extended period to preserve the installed equipment and prevent its deterioration. Specifically, the hospital's CT scanner is reportedly operating under continuous air conditioning to maintain its functionality, adding to the perceived inefficiency of the uncommissioned facility.

Jerry Ahmed Shaib, the Member of Parliament for Weija-Gbawe, publicly expressed his frustration on JoyNews’ The Pulse, directly appealing to President John Mahama and Minister of Health Kwabena Mintah Akandoh for the hospital's immediate operationalization. Mr. Shaib underscored that the continued closure of the facility is not only denying residents access to vital healthcare services but also contributing to unemployment among trained health professionals. He vehemently criticized what he described as the politicization of public infrastructure, arguing that completed health facilities should be put to use regardless of the administration that initiated them. He questioned the rationale behind leaving such a significant public investment idle while communities struggle to access adequate healthcare. Local residents of Weija-Gbawe have also demonstrated their dismay by staging protests, emphasizing the facility's readiness and the urgent need for its commissioning to address the pressing healthcare demands in the area.

The situation at the Weija-Gbawe Children’s Specialist Hospital highlights a broader national issue concerning completed but uncommissioned public infrastructure, which local leaders insist must be utilized to serve the public interest and save lives.