Euroget De-Invest S.A., the contractor responsible for the construction of the 250-bed Ashanti Regional Hospital in Sewua, has expressed serious concerns over the commissioning of the project.
On January 4, 2025, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo officially inaugurated the hospital alongside a 50-bed Infectious Disease Centre in Sewua, but Euroget De-Invest alleges that the event violated contractual agreements and legal protocols.
In a statement issued shortly after the commissioning, Euroget De-Invest clarified that it had not granted permission for the event, emphasizing that the project remains incomplete and has not been officially handed over to the government. The company also stated that it has yet to receive full payment for the construction of the hospital.
“As the contractor, we retain possession of the site until the project is handed over correctly and legally,” the statement noted. “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, expressed his dismay over the situation, describing the commissioning as a breach of contract. He questioned the motives behind the government’s actions, particularly as they occurred just three days before the end of President Akufo-Addo’s administration.
“This is a breach of the contract,” Dr. Deraz asserted. “We haven’t handed over the project, and every step should be taken to claim damages against all previous commissioning.” He further highlighted that the government’s actions undermine the integrity of the project and reflect a disregard for contractual obligations.
The newly commissioned hospital, which is part of the Euroget hospital project initiated by former President John Agyekum Kufuor in 2008, is one of nine state-of-the-art facilities designed to enhance healthcare delivery across the country. The Sewua facility is equipped with an administration block, out-patient department, physiotherapy and gynaecology wards, intensive care units, maternity and delivery suites, a theatre complex, a medical gas plant, and other essential amenities. Together with the 50-bed Infectious Disease Centre, it is expected to bridge healthcare gaps in the region and improve health outcomes.
Despite these advancements, Euroget De-Invest insists that the government’s decision to commission the hospital without consulting the contractor has set a worrying precedent. The company raised concerns about the security of the hospital premises, noting that its possession remains intact until a formal handover is conducted.
The statement also questioned the timing of the commissioning, suggesting it may have been driven by political motives rather than the needs of the citizens. “Why would an outgoing President engage in such illegality just three days before handing over office?” the statement queried.
Euroget De-Invest called on relevant authorities to investigate the matter thoroughly, stressing the importance of upholding the rule of law in government dealings. The company reiterated its commitment to completing the hospital to the highest standards and fulfilling its contractual obligations.
While the commissioning was initially intended to be a moment of pride and celebration for the region, it has instead become a source of controversy. The public now faces uncertainty regarding the hospital’s status, and stakeholders are calling for clarity and resolution.
Below is the full press release issued by Euroget De-Invest:
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, January 4, 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 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:
“Euroget did not give anyone permission to enter the site. Possession is still ours until we hand it over in the correct and legal manner.”
He further emphasized:
“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 the sanctity of contracts. 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 reflects a disregard for the law and contractual agreements. This situation represents a level of lawlessness that cannot be overlooked.
We urge 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.
Euroget De-Invest S.A. remains committed to completing the Ashanti Regional Hospital to the highest standards and fulfilling our contractual obligations. We hope this situation can be resolved amicably, and the government recognizes the importance of following due process.
Signed,
Dr. Said Deraz
Group Chairman
Euroget De-Invest S.A.
