Accra: Dr. David Ofosu Dorte, the Founder and Senior Partner of AB and David Africa, has proposed that the public sector should not lead feasibility studies for Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects.

According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Dorte emphasized that the current practice has significantly contributed to Ghana’s high public sector debt, as many feasibility studies for projects were mostly not executed.

Delivering the keynote address at the 2025 Ghana Investment and Trade Week Summit (GITW) in Accra, Dr. Dorte stated, ‘We have borrowed huge amounts of money to do feasibilities that we have not delivered.’ The summit, themed ‘Constructing Prosperity: Advancing Industrial Growth Through Smart Infrastructural Planning,’ gathered local and international investors to explore potential investment areas in Ghana.

Dr. Dorte suggested that the government should focus on pre-feasibility studies and concept notes for PPP projects rather than full feasibility studies. This approach, he argued, would help minimize risks and save money. He noted that many PPP projects have failed in Ghana due to the risks borne by the government.

He further recommended creating an ecosystem that fosters stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors, stressing the need for political will to successfully execute PPP projects. Dr. Dorte cautioned against careless statements when holding public and party positions.

Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi III, President of the National House of Chiefs, emphasized the importance of smart infrastructure planning for driving industrial growth and prosperity in Ghana. He highlighted the role of chiefs as vital enablers of inclusive development and their commitment to the country’s future.

Ogyeahoho Gyebi III noted that PPPs have provided approximately $10 billion in infrastructure investments in West Africa, but Ghana has received relatively small amounts. He urged the adoption of blended finance models to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and stimulate growth, while also highlighting the need to empower Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).

Mr. Emmanuel Tetteh Martey, Chairman of the Ghana Chamber of Construction Industry (GhCCI), called for a collective purpose to drive a modern, resilient, and prosperous Ghana. He commended the Mahama administration for initiatives like the Big Push and the 24-Hour Economy, stressing the importance of reliable power sources and good infrastructure for development.