A public-private partnership, or PPP, is a long-term agreement in which a private company helps deliver a public asset or service, such as a hostel, hospital, road or airport, and takes on a real share of the risk. Build-Operate-Transfer is one common type.
This article is a general guide, not legal or financial advice. Laws and procedures change, so confirm the details with the relevant authority or a qualified adviser for your project.
The legal framework
In Ghana, PPPs are governed by the Public-Private Partnership Act, 2020 (Act 1039). It sets out how projects are identified, assessed, approved and procured, and the role of the Ministry of Finance and the government body that owns the project, known as the contracting authority. It also allows for proposals that come from the private side, not only from government.
Who is involved
- The contracting authority: the ministry, agency, assembly or institution that needs the asset.
- The Ministry of Finance: checks that the project is affordable and that any government commitments are sound.
- The private partner: usually a project company set up by investors, builders and operators.
- Advisers: legal, technical and financial specialists on both sides.
What investors look for
- Clear rights to land and to operate the asset.
- Reliable revenue, from users, government payments or both.
- Protection if the rules change, and a fair route to resolve disputes.
- A capable local partner who understands approvals and the community.
What institutions should prepare
- A clear statement of the need: how many students, passengers or patients, and why now.
- Evidence of the land or site and who controls it.
- Support from leadership, in writing, so investors know the project is real.
Expect it to take time
PPPs move through study, approval, procurement and financing before building starts. A well-prepared project moves faster, because each step has the answers ready.
Talk to us
EDOKAN Projects works with investors, developers and institutions on projects in Ghana and across Africa, from the first study to final handover. Find out how we work or start a conversation.
