Former Railways Development Minister Joe Ghartey has stated that his meeting with officials of the National Investigation Bureau (NIB) on Monday cleared any doubts regarding the Sky Train Project, affirming that the Railways Development Ministry followed due process in all its dealings. Speaking to the press after his engagement with NIB officials, he emphasized that the project was structured as a Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) transaction, which meant that the ministry did not make any payments under his watch. He cited the Auditor-General’s 2021 report as evidence that no public funds were expended on the project during his tenure.
He explained that the Railways Development Ministry took all necessary precautions to ensure that it bore no financial liability in connection with feasibility studies conducted for the Sky Train Project. According to him, the transaction was carefully structured to prevent the government from incurring any risk or cost related to its implementation. Addressing questions about his invitation by the NIB, Mr. Ghartey clarified that he had incorporated several clauses in the agreements governing the project to absolve his ministry of any financial obligations. He reiterated that the ministry was not responsible for financing any aspect of the feasibility studies, reinforcing his stance that due process was strictly adhered to.
Mr. Ghartey stressed that he had no reservations about engaging with the NIB officials, as he was confident that the Sky Train transaction had been handled transparently and within the confines of the law. He expressed satisfaction with the manner in which the project was managed, asserting that all necessary legal and procedural steps were taken to protect the government from any financial risks. He maintained that his actions as Minister of Railways Development were guided by a commitment to ensuring accountability and financial prudence in public transactions.
His remarks followed a similar engagement with the NIB by former Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF) Board Chairman, Prof. Ameyaw Akumfi, who was also invited to provide information on the Sky Train Project. The investigation into the project has drawn public attention, with many seeking clarity on the financial implications and the extent of government involvement. However, Mr. Ghartey remained firm in his position that the project was well-structured and did not impose any financial burden on the state.
The Sky Train Project was conceived as an ambitious urban transportation initiative aimed at alleviating congestion in Ghana’s major cities, particularly in Accra. The BOT model under which it was proposed involved a private entity financing, building, and operating the rail system for a specific period before transferring ownership to the government. This arrangement was intended to attract private investment while minimizing the financial exposure of the government.
Despite its potential benefits, the project has faced scrutiny over its feasibility and implementation process. Questions have been raised about the contractual agreements and the extent to which the government was committed to financing the project. Critics have expressed concerns about whether due diligence was conducted before entering into agreements with the private partners involved.
However, Mr. Ghartey remains resolute in defending the integrity of the transaction. He insisted that every measure was taken to safeguard public funds and that the agreements signed under his leadership were designed to ensure that the government did not bear any financial liability. He reiterated that the project was structured in a way that placed the financial responsibility on the private investors, in line with the principles of a BOT arrangement.
The former minister also emphasized the need for innovative transportation solutions to address Ghana’s urban mobility challenges. He noted that the Sky Train Project was part of a broader vision to modernize the country’s railway infrastructure and improve public transport. While acknowledging the challenges associated with implementing large-scale infrastructure projects, he maintained that the initiative was a step in the right direction and had the potential to transform Ghana’s transportation landscape.
The ongoing NIB investigation has sparked discussions about the role of accountability in public-sector projects. Many observers believe that while infrastructure development is crucial for national progress, transparency and due diligence must always be prioritized to ensure that projects are executed in the best interest of the public. The government’s handling of the Sky Train Project continues to be a subject of debate, with some calling for greater scrutiny of public-private partnerships in major infrastructure ventures.
Mr. Ghartey’s engagement with the NIB is seen as part of efforts to provide clarity on the project and address lingering concerns about its financial implications. By reaffirming that no payments were made by the ministry, he sought to dispel any misconceptions about the government’s involvement in funding the feasibility studies. He also reassured the public that the agreements governing the project were carefully crafted to prevent any undue financial commitments by the state.
As discussions on the Sky Train Project continue, stakeholders are keenly watching how the investigation unfolds. The project remains a significant topic in Ghana’s infrastructure development discourse, with opinions divided on whether it was a well-conceived initiative or a missed opportunity due to implementation challenges. While some believe that it could have been a game-changer in urban transport, others argue that more thorough planning and feasibility assessments were needed before committing to the project.
Mr. Ghartey’s position on the matter underscores the complexities involved in large-scale infrastructure projects. He maintains that his ministry acted in the best interest of the country by ensuring that the Sky Train transaction did not impose any financial burden on the state. His assertions highlight the importance of structuring public-private partnerships in a way that protects public resources while enabling critical infrastructure development.
Looking ahead, the outcome of the NIB’s investigation will likely shape public perception of the Sky Train Project and the broader conversation on government accountability in infrastructure investments. As Ghana continues to explore solutions to its urban transportation challenges, lessons from this project will be crucial in guiding future decisions on similar initiatives. Mr. Ghartey’s defense of the transaction signals his confidence in the process that was followed, but the final assessment will ultimately depend on the findings of the investigation and the perspectives of key stakeholders involved.
