Lessons for the World: What other countries can learn from Ghana’s failed SkyTrain Project?

Infrastructure development is a crucial driver of economic growth, urban modernization, and enhanced public services. However, when projects fail due to mismanagement, lack of transparency, or inadequate feasibility studies, they can become cautionary tales for nations worldwide. Ghana’s failed $2 million SkyTrain project—once envisioned as a revolutionary urban transit system—has now turned into a stark reminder of the importance of accountability in public infrastructure projects.

The arrest of John Peter Amewu, Ghana’s former Minister for Railways, in connection with the stalled project, has reignited discussions on the need for better oversight and governance. As governments worldwide embark on ambitious infrastructure projects, it is essential to draw lessons from Ghana’s experience to avoid similar pitfalls.

1. The Importance of Feasibility Studies and Due Diligence

One of the most critical lessons from the SkyTrain project failure is the need for comprehensive feasibility studies before committing financial resources. Many infrastructure failures stem from a lack of realistic planning, inaccurate cost estimations, and weak risk assessment.

What Countries Should Do:

• Conduct detailed feasibility studies, assessing technical, economic, and environmental viability.

• Engage independent auditors and global consultants to validate findings.

• Avoid signing contracts based on political expediency rather than evidence-based analysis.

2. Transparency and Public Accountability

In many countries, large-scale infrastructure projects fall victim to corruption, favoritism, and non-transparent procurement processes. Ghana’s SkyTrain project highlights the risks of inadequate scrutiny in public contracts, which can lead to significant financial losses.

What Countries Should Do:

• Ensure all government contracts undergo rigorous public and parliamentary scrutiny.

• Publish project details, including budgets, timelines, and contractors, for public access.

• Strengthen anti-corruption bodies to investigate and prevent fraud in infrastructure investments.

3. Strengthening Legal and Institutional Frameworks

The SkyTrain project faced severe governance lapses, raising concerns about whether legal safeguards were in place to prevent such failures. Weak institutional frameworks allow mismanagement to go unchecked, leading to stalled or abandoned projects.

What Countries Should Do:

• Implement stronger legal provisions requiring periodic project evaluations and audits.

• Establish independent regulatory bodies to oversee infrastructure projects and ensure compliance.

• Enforce severe penalties for officials involved in mismanagement or fraudulent contracts.

4. Sustainable and Realistic Project Planning

SkyTrain was marketed as an innovative solution to Ghana’s urban congestion problems, yet it was an overly ambitious plan without clear execution strategies. Many countries make the mistake of pursuing grandiose projects without considering financial and technical sustainability.

What Countries Should Do:

• Align infrastructure projects with economic realities and available funding sources.

• Prioritize essential infrastructure improvements over flashy, high-risk projects.

• Involve local urban planners and engineers to design practical, scalable transit solutions.

5. Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) and Investment Security

Governments often rely on public-private partnerships (PPPs) to finance large infrastructure projects. However, without proper regulatory frameworks, PPP agreements can become liabilities rather than assets. The lack of meaningful progress in Ghana’s SkyTrain project despite government investment suggests that due diligence was not adequately conducted in selecting private partners.

What Countries Should Do:

• Carefully vet private investors and ensure they have the necessary financial and technical capacity.

• Define clear exit strategies in case projects face delays or financial mismanagement.

• Require performance guarantees and legal accountability clauses in contracts.

6. Learning from Global Best Practices

Successful infrastructure projects in countries like Japan, Germany, and Singapore emphasize rigorous project planning, effective governance, and continuous public engagement. Governments worldwide should study case studies of both successful and failed projects to enhance their approach to infrastructure development.

What Countries Should Do:

• Establish knowledge-sharing platforms for best practices in infrastructure planning.

• Train public officials on global project management standards.

• Encourage collaboration with international bodies like the World Bank and UN-Habitat for expert guidance.

Conclusion

The failure of Ghana’s SkyTrain project serves as a warning for other nations embarking on major infrastructure initiatives. By emphasizing feasibility studies, transparency, legal safeguards, practical planning, secure investment frameworks, and global best practices, governments can avoid similar costly mistakes. The lessons from this case should serve as a blueprint for ensuring infrastructure projects contribute to national progress rather than becoming symbols of failed governance.