Tuesday, 07 January

Sewua hospital project: Contractor threatens legal action over gov't's unilateral opening

Health News
Akufo-Addo opening the Sewua hospital project

Euroget De-Invest S.A., the contractor for the 250-bed Ashanti Regional Hospital at Sewua in the Bosomtwe District, has voiced strong objections to the facility's recent opening by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Saturday, January 4, 2025.

In a statement signed by its Group Chairman, Dr. Said Deraz, Euroget stated that the opening was conducted in violation of contractual and legal obligations.

The company asserted that the hospital remains incomplete, unpaid for in full, and has not been officially handed over to the government.

“Euroget did not give anyone permission to enter the site.

Possession is still ours until we hand it in the correct and legal manner,” Dr. Deraz emphasized.

Euroget noted that the event occurred without its involvement or consent, a move the company described as a breach of contract and security protocols.

No representatives from the firm were present at the opening ceremony.

“This is a breach of the contract,” Dr. Deraz stressed. “Every step should be taken to claim damages against all previous inaugurations because, by this action, the President is implying that he could have opened those hospitals without incurring any costs on our part.”

The company also questioned the timing of the opening, which occurred just days before a government transition, suggesting it may have political motives.

Euroget called for an investigation into the incident, stating that such actions undermined the integrity of the project and set a concerning precedent for future government dealings.

Despite the dispute, the company reaffirmed its commitment to completing the hospital to the highest standards. It urged authorities to prioritize an amicable resolution that adheres to legal and contractual agreements.

Below is the full statement:

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE:5TH JANUARY 2025

CONCERNS OVER THE COMMISSIONING OF ASHANTI REGIONAL 250-BED HOSPITAL IN SEWUA

From the Office of Dr. Said Deraz, Group Chairman, Euroget De-Invest S.A.

The recent commissioning of the 250-Bed Ashanti Regional Hospital in Sewua, Bosomtwe District, by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Saturday, 4th January 2025, raises serious concerns regarding legal and contractual obligations. While we acknowledge the importance of healthcare infrastructure in the Ashanti Region, we must firmly state that the commissioning of the 250-bed facility Regional hospital was conducted in direct violation of the terms of our contract.
It is important to stress that Euroget De-Invest S.A. has not yet received full payment for the construction of the hospital. Furthermore, the project remains incomplete and has not yet been officially handed over to the government. 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.

Dr. Said Deraz, Group CEO and Chairman of Euroget De-Invest S.A., expressed his concerns,as below:
“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 emphasised:
“This is a breach of the contract. 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 fact that the government proceeded with the commissioning without consulting Euroget raises questions about the adherence to legal protocols and sanctity of contracts . The company, which secured the funding for the hospital’s construction, was not consulted regarding this purported commissioning. Additionally, there was no representative from Euroget present at the event, which accentuates our exclusion from a critical milestone in the project.

We believe that the government’s actions constitute a serious breach of security concerning the hospital. Entering the premises without our permission to undertake the commissioning, while the hospital remains incomplete and without the contractor being fully compensated, reflects a disregard for the law and contractual agreements. This situation represents a level of lawlessness that cannot be overlooked.Please find attached to this release photos of the current state of the hospital which reinforces this statement

As we approach the transition of power in Ghana,we are left questioning the motives behind such an action. Why would an outgoing President engage in such illegality just three days before handing over office? We must stress that 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.

It is fundamental for all stakeholders, including the public, to understand the implications of these actions. The commissioning of the Ashanti Regional 250 bed Hospital should be a moment of pride and achievement for all involved; however, it has instead become a source of contention and uncertainty. We urge the government to respect the rule of law and adhere to the contractual obligations it has entered into.

We call upon 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 legal disputes and contractual violations.

In conclusion, Euroget De-Invest S.A. remains committed to completing the Ashanti Regional 250-Bed Hospital to the highest standards and fulfilling our contractual obligations. We hope that this situation can be resolved amicably and that the government will recognise the importance of following due process in all its dealings. We are prepared to take all necessary steps to protect our rights and seek damages for any breaches of contract that have occurred.

We appreciate the ongoing support from the community and stakeholders, and we will keep the public informed about any developments regarding this matter.

Signed,
Dr. Said Deraz
Group Chairman
Euroget De-Invest S.A.

Source: Classfmonline.com/Cecil Mensah