Ghana’s Deputy Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr Justice Srem-Sai, has clarified that former Minister for Railways Development, Joe Ghartey, is not implicated in the ongoing legal proceedings related to the controversial Accra Sky Train project.
Dr Srem-Sai stated unequivocally that “former AG and later Railway Minister Joe Ghartey at a point was invited, but he explained his side of the story. When you look at the charge sheet for Sky Train, he’s not on it.”
This revelation comes amidst public interest and speculation surrounding the $2 million payment made in connection with the proposed Sky Train project, which never materialised.
Dr Srem-Sai reiterated that “the fact that you’re a minister at the time doesn’t mean that you will be criminally liable for anything.” He explained that while Ghartey was questioned during preliminary investigations, his actions were not found to warrant prosecution.
It will be recalled that Joe Ghartey, who also previously served as Attorney General, has consistently maintained that the Ministry of Railways Development did not make any financial commitments under his leadership towards the Sky Train project.
The Deputy Attorney General noted that not all investigations result in charges, and emphasised the importance of due process.
“Not every minister presiding over a controversial ministry bears criminal responsibility,” he said.