Former Railway Minister Joe GharteyGhana’s Deputy Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, has firmly dispelled rumours suggesting that former Minister for Railways Development, Hon. Joe Ghartey, is facing prosecution over the failed Accra Sky Train project.
Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express, Dr. Srem-Sai clarified that Ghartey, who also once served as Attorney General, has no criminal charges filed against him in relation to the controversial $2 million payment made toward the project.
“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,” Dr. Srem-Sai stated.
His comments come at a time of growing public scrutiny over the Sky Train deal, which never came to fruition despite the significant expenditure. While speculation mounted over the possible involvement of former government officials, Dr. Srem-Sai made it clear that mere ministerial oversight does not equate to criminal liability.
“The fact that you’re a minister at the time doesn’t mean that you will be criminally liable for anything,” he said, explaining that although Ghartey was questioned during early investigations, no evidence emerged to justify charging him.
Ghartey has repeatedly stated that under his leadership, the Ministry of Railways Development did not commit funds to the Sky Train project. His stance has now been reinforced by the Deputy Attorney General’s statement that due process found no grounds to prosecute him.
Dr. Srem-Sai emphasized that not every investigation results in charges, underscoring the state’s commitment to fairness and legal scrutiny. “Not every minister presiding over a controversial ministry bears criminal responsibility,” he said.
Turning to broader concerns of bias in government-led prosecutions, Dr. Srem-Sai rejected claims of selective justice. He revealed that many former appointees from the previous administration are currently under investigation or on bail, but have cooperated without public fanfare.
“I appreciate the demeanour of a lot of the government appointees. A large number of the persons who have been arrested, now on bail, who are under investigation, are quiet. They will not make any noise about it,” he said.
He contrasted the silent cooperation of many with the few who publicise their cases for attention. “It’s only a few who, once in a while, come in the media, and then people are massing up to go to EOCO. But there are a lot of them who go quietly, do what they are asked to do, and leave without any noise at all,” he added.
Dr. Srem-Sai’s comments reinforce the government’s message that ongoing prosecutions are being pursued strictly on legal merit, not political motivation.
