Former Minister Cleared in Ongoing Skytrain Investigation
Former Railways Minister Joe Ghartey was questioned by the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) about the $2 million Skytrain project, Deputy Attorney General Dr. Justice Srem-Sai confirmed on June 12, 2025. The project, meant to ease Accra’s traffic, never started despite a $2 million payment by the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF). Ghartey explained his role and was not charged.
In 2018, Ghana signed a deal with Africa Investment Sky Train Consortium for a 194km skytrain network in Accra. The GIIF paid $2 million for shares in a Mauritius-based company for the project, but it stalled after COVID-19 disruptions. Ghartey said his ministry followed a Build, Operate, Transfer model, with no payments made under his watch.
Two GIIF officials, former Board Chairman Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi and ex-CEO Solomon Asamoah, face charges of causing financial loss and conspiracy. They approved the $2 million payment without board approval, according to court documents. Ghartey, however, was cleared as the ministry had no financial liability.
The Auditor-General’s 2021 report flagged the payment, sparking public outcry. Ghartey told the NIB on February 24, 2025, that the project followed due process, and the South African partners pulled out due to COVID-19. The investigation continues to uncover why the project failed and who is responsible.
The Skytrain scandal has raised concerns about transparency in Ghana’s infrastructure deals. While Ghartey is not on the charge sheet, the case against the GIIF officials is ongoing, with hopes of recovering lost funds and ensuring accountability in public projects.