Euroget De-Invest, the Egyptian investment company contracted to build nine hospitals across Ghana, has rejected the commissioning of the 250-bed Ashanti Regional Hospital at Sewua.
The commissioning, conducted by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Saturday, January 4, 2025, has been described by the company as “illegal” and a “breach of contract.”
In a statement issued on Sunday, January 5, 2025, and signed by Said Deraz, Group Chairman of Euroget De-Invest, the company argued that the hospital project remained incomplete and had not been handed over to the government.
Euroget also claimed that the government had not fulfilled its financial obligations under the contract.
Breach of Contract and Lack of Permission
Euroget stated that the commissioning was conducted without its approval, noting, “As the contractor, we retain possession of the site until the project is handed over correctly and legally. We categorically did not grant permission to any party to enter the site for commissioning purposes.”
The company added that the government’s actions not only violated contractual agreements but also undermined the legal protocols governing such projects.
Photos were provided by Euroget to support their claims that the hospital remained incomplete.
Euroget emphasised, “This situation represents a level of lawlessness that cannot be overlooked… The timing of this commissioning raises concerns about its legitimacy and whether it serves any political agenda rather than the interests of the citizens.”
Concerns About Political Motivations
Euroget questioned the timing of the commissioning, coming just days before the January 7 transition of power.
They urged authorities to investigate the matter thoroughly, arguing that such actions set a dangerous precedent for future government contracts.
Despite their grievances, Euroget affirmed their commitment to completing the hospital to the highest standards, stating, “We hope this situation can be resolved amicably and that the government will recognise the importance of following due process.”
President Akufo-Addo’s Perspective
During the commissioning, President Akufo-Addo highlighted the hospital’s importance in bridging healthcare gaps and improving access to universal health coverage. The facility includes an administration block, out-patients department, ICU, maternity and delivery suites, laboratories, a theatre complex, and a medical gas plant.
The President also commissioned a 50-bed Infectious Disease Centre at the same site, alongside a similar centre at Kumasi South Hospital.
Historical Context
The Sewua Hospital is part of nine hospital projects awarded to Euroget De-Invest in 2008 during President John Agyekum Kufuor’s administration. Seven of these projects have been completed under President Akufo-Addo, including the Wa Regional Hospital, Ga East Municipal Hospital, and others.
President Akufo-Addo charged the local community and health workers to ensure proper maintenance of the facility.
