Contractor Questions Legality of Commissioning of Sewua 250-Bed Hospital Project
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, has sparked a major controversy regarding legal and contractual obligations.
Euroget De-Invest S.A., the contractor responsible for the project, has expressed strong objections to the commissioning, claiming that it was done in violation of the terms of their contract. The company, which has not yet received full payment for the construction, emphasized that the project remains incomplete and has not been officially handed over to the government.
In a statement, Dr. Said Deraz, Group CEO and Chairman of Euroget De-Invest S.A., made it clear that the company did not authorize any party to enter the site for commissioning. “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 stated. Deraz further criticized the action as a breach of contract and warned of potential legal consequences, suggesting that the commissioning without proper authorization could imply that the government intended to take control of the hospital without incurring any costs to the contractor.
The contractor outlined several critical tasks that remain unfinished, including the completion of the hospital’s power stations, installation of essential medical equipment requiring a permanent power connection, repairs to the site damaged by delays in construction, and final touches on staff housing.
The absence of Euroget representatives at the commissioning event and the lack of consultation with the contractor raised further concerns about the government’s adherence to legal protocols and the sanctity of the contract. Euroget, which secured the funding for the hospital’s construction, was not consulted about the commissioning, and no Euroget officials attended the event
The company has questioned the government’s actions, particularly as the commissioning took place without the contractor’s permission and with the hospital still incomplete. The contractor views this as a serious breach of both security and contractual obligations. They also expressed concerns about the timing of the commissioning, just days before the President’s term ends, raising suspicions about potential political motivations behind the move.
Euroget is calling for a thorough investigation into the matter, stressing that such actions could undermine future government contracts and projects. The company is committed to completing the hospital to the highest standards and fulfilling its contractual obligations, but it insists that the rule of law and proper due process must be respected.
Euroget De-Invest S.A. has reaffirmed its commitment to the completion of the Sewua hospital project, but also warns that it will take all necessary legal steps to protect its rights and seek damages for any breaches of contract. The contractor urges the government to resolve the situation amicably, for the benefit of the Ashanti Region and its citizens who rely on quality healthcare infrastructure.
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