The ongoing trial over the controversial $2 million Sky Train project has hit early delays, as both key defendants face separate obstacles preventing full participation in court proceedings.
Solomon Asamoah, the former Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF), remains in custody after failing to satisfy stringent bail conditions a week after they were imposed. Mr. Asamoah, who has denied charges of causing financial loss to the state and unlawful disbursement of public funds, has yet to provide the required two sureties with justified landed property in Accra to meet his GH¢15 million bail.
Meanwhile, his co-accused, former GIIF Board Chair Prof. Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, has still not appeared in court due to health complications. His legal representative, Duke Aaron Sasu, informed the court on Tuesday, May 20, that the former Board Chair was rushed to the hospital just hours before the hearing.
Presiding judge, Justice Comfort Tasiame, voiced concern over the repeated pattern of Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi’s medical issues coinciding with scheduled court appearances. The Deputy Attorney General, Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, acknowledged the judge’s concerns and hinted that the prosecution may adjust its strategy regarding Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi if the trend continues.
Both Asamoah and Ameyaw-Akumfi are accused of authorising a $2 million transfer from GIIF accounts to Africa Investor Holdings in relation to the defunct Sky Train project, despite no work being completed to warrant such a payment. The prosecution maintains that the transaction was executed without proper authorization.
With Mr. Asamoah still in custody and Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi’s medical absence under scrutiny, the case has been adjourned to Monday, May 26, at 10:00 a.m., as the court awaits resolution on both fronts.
