Ghana’s Deputy Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dr. Justice Srem‑Sai, has publicly stated that Joe Ghartey, former Railways Development Minister and Attorney-General, is not on the charge sheet in the ongoing Accra Sky Train investigation. Speaking on JoyNews PM Express, Dr. Srem‑Sai confirmed that although Ghartey was interviewed by investigators, no evidence was found to support criminal charges against him.
Review of Due Process and Investigation
Dr. Srem‑Sai emphasized that being a minister during a controversial project does not imply criminal liability. Ghartey was questioned about the alleged US$2 million payment made toward the Sky Train scheme — a flagship project that ultimately never materialized. He consistently maintained that his ministry did not authorize or disburse any funds related to the project.
The Deputy AG noted that after reviewing all documentation and testimonies, investigators concluded that there were insufficient grounds to charge Ghartey. “Not every minister presiding over a controversial ministry bears criminal responsibility,” he said.
Government’s Stance on Accountability
Addressing public concerns about selective prosecution, Dr. Srem‑Sai reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fair and impartial investigations. He highlighted that multiple former officeholders from the previous administration are undergoing inquiries, with most cooperating quietly and without media attention.
He contrasted these silent participants with those who used the press to influence public perception during investigations, suggesting a sense of responsibility and decorum among most individuals under scrutiny.
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Ghartey’s Defense and Integrity
Ghartey himself has repeatedly asserted that the Sky Train project did not involve funds disbursed under his watch. His defense is now vindicated by the Deputy AG’s statement.
The former minister’s reputation as a career lawyer, former Attorney‑General (2006–2009), and experienced deputy speaker may have played a role in reinforcing public confidence in his adherence to due process and transparency.
Ongoing Sky Train Investigation and Context
The Sky Train initiative, intended to modernise urban transport in Accra, has become a flashpoint for public scrutiny. Questions have been raised over the US$2 million payment made toward the project — which, to date, remains incomplete. Affected ministries and contractors, including a former deputy Works Minister, are under investigation by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and other government agencies .
Even though Ghartey has been cleared, other officials remain under investigation or have been charged. The probe aims to ascertain financial accountability and whether Ghana’s public resources were mismanaged during the planning and contracting phases of the project.
What This Means for Ghana
Ghartey’s clearance reinforces the principle that officials investigated are not automatically assumed guilty, underscoring a commitment to fair legal proceedings. However, the episode highlights wider questions about infrastructure governance, expenditure tracking, and ministerial oversight.
Public reaction has been mixed — while some celebrate the affirmation of due process, others call for deeper reforms in procurement controls and project transparency to prevent future controversies.
