Euroget De-Invest SA, the contractor responsible for the construction of the 250-bed Ashanti Regional Hospital in Sewua, has raised concerns about the commissioning of the project.
On January 4, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo officially commissioned the 250-bed Ashanti Regional Hospital and the 50-bed Infectious Diseases Center in Sewua.
However, in a statement issued shortly after it went live, Euroget De-Invest SA claimed that the event violated the terms of the contract.
The contractors said they had not received full payment for the construction of the hospital, stressing that the project was still incomplete. They also clarified that the hospital has not been officially handed over to the government.
“As the contractor, we retain the property until the project is properly and lawfully handed over. In principle, we have not given anyone permission to enter the site for commissioning purposes.”
Euroget De-Invest accused President Akufo-Addo of illegal actions and called on relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate the matter.
“Why would an outgoing president engage in such illegality just three days before the inauguration?”
Along with the 50-bed Infectious Disease Center – one of 12 infectious disease treatment facilities constructed across the country using COVID-19 funding – the facility, now considered the largest regional hospital in the country, serves as a vital lifeline for the Region to address gaps in health care and ensure that people in the region have unhindered access to universal health coverage and improved health outcomes.
This modern healthcare facility is fully equipped with an administrative building, outpatient clinic, physiotherapy, gynecology wards, sterilization, intensive care unit, labor and delivery rooms, laboratory, pharmacy, theater complex, laundry and a medical gas plant for the production of medical gases.
The project is part of the nine Euroget hospital projects initiated by former President John Agyekum Kufuor in 2008.
The nine Euroget hospitals are the 500-bed Afari Military Hospital in Kumasi, the 160-bed Wa Regional Hospital, the 250-bed Ashanti Regional Hospital in Sewua and the 100-bed Ga East Municipal Hospital in Kwabenya.
In addition to these, five hospitals with 60 beds in Tepa, Konongo, Twifo Praso and Madina are also part of the project.
Read the statement from Euroget De-Invest SA below
PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DATE: JANUARY 5, 2025 CONCERNS ABOUT THE COMMISSIONING OF THE ASHANTI REGIONAL 250-BED HOSPITAL IN SEWUA
From the office of Dr. Said Deraz, Group Chairman, Euroget De-Invest SA
The recent commissioning of the 250-bed Ashanti Regional Hospital in Sewua, Bosomtwe District by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Saturday, January 4, 2025 raises serious concerns over legal and contractual obligations. While we recognize the importance of the health infrastructure in the Ashanti Region, we strongly state that the commissioning of the 250-bed regional hospital was in direct violation of our contractual terms and conditions.
It is important to emphasize that Euroget De-Invest SA has not yet received full payment for the construction of the hospital. Furthermore, the project is still incomplete and has not yet been officially handed over to the government. As a contractor, we reserve the property until the project has been properly and legally handed over. In principle, we have not given anyone permission to enter the site for commissioning purposes.
Dr. Said Deraz, Group CEO and Chairman of Euroget De-Invest SA, expressed his concerns as follows:
“Euroget has not given anyone permission to enter the website. The property remains our property until we properly and lawfully deliver it.”
He further stressed, “This is a breach of contract.” We have not surrendered and every step should be taken to seek damages for all previous assignments, as by this action the President is implying that he could have contracted these hospitals without that we would have incurred costs for this.”
The fact that the government proceeded with the commissioning without consulting Euroget raises questions about compliance with legal protocols and the validity of contracts. The company that secured financing for the construction of the hospital was not consulted about this alleged commissioning. Furthermore, no Euroget representative was present at the event, highlighting our exclusion from a critical milestone in the project.
We believe the government's actions represent a serious breach of the hospital's security. Entering the site without our permission to commission while the hospital is still incomplete and without the contractor receiving full compensation represents a disregard for laws and contractual agreements. This situation represents a level of lawlessness that cannot be overlooked .
As we approach the transition of power in Ghana, we wonder about the motivations behind such an action. Why would an outgoing president commit such illegality just three days before the inauguration? We must emphasize that the timing of this commissioning raises concerns about the legitimacy of the measures taken and whether they serve a political agenda and not the interests of the citizens who rely on these health facilities.
It is essential for all stakeholders, including the public, to understand the impact of these measures. The commissioning of the Ashanti Regional 250-bed Hospital should be a moment of pride and achievement for all involved; Instead, however, it has become a source of strife and uncertainty. We call on the government to respect the rule of law and honor the contractual commitments it has made.
We call on the relevant authorities to investigate this matter thoroughly. The actions taken by the government not only undermine the integrity of the project, but also set a worrying precedent for future government contracts and projects. The people of the Ashanti Region deserve better than to have their healthcare infrastructure embroiled in litigation and contractual breaches .
In summary, Euroget De-Invest SA remains committed to completing the Ashanti Regional 250 Bed Hospital to the highest standards and meeting our contractual obligations. We hope that this situation can be resolved amicably and that the government realizes the importance of following due process in all its dealings. We are prepared to take all necessary measures to protect our rights and seek compensation for any breach of this contract.
We appreciate the continued support of the community and stakeholders and will keep the public informed of any developments on this matter.
Signed, Dr. Said Deraz Group Chairman Euroget De-Invest SA
—citinewsroom