Former Railway Development Minister, Joe Ghartey, has been invited by the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) for questioning regarding the controversial Ghana Sky Train project.
Sources reveal that Ghartey, who served as Minister for Railway Development from 2017 to 2021, is being interrogated as part of ongoing investigations into the financial and feasibility concerns surrounding the ambitious urban railway initiative.
This development follows reports that other key officials involved in the project have also been questioned by the NIB.
The Ghana Sky Train project was unveiled in 2018 as a major infrastructure plan aimed at reducing urban traffic congestion, particularly in Accra. In 2019, under Ghartey’s leadership, Ghana signed a concession agreement with the Africa Investment (Ai) Sky Train Consortium for the project, which was estimated to cost $3 billion. However, the initiative failed to take off, raising doubts about its viability and financing.
In 2022, the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF) disclosed that it had invested $2 million into the project without receiving any returns. The Auditor-General’s report later flagged this expenditure, drawing public criticism and increasing scrutiny over the project’s handling.
Ghartey’s questioning by the NIB adds to the growing list of officials being investigated over the stalled project. While it remains uncertain whether the probe will lead to legal action, authorities are reportedly reviewing key financial transactions and decision-making processes related to the project.
The former Minister, who also previously served as Attorney General and Member of Parliament, has yet to comment publicly on the invitation.
