The legal representatives of the former Board Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF) are seeking a variation in their bail conditions related to the Accra Sky Train project case. The crux of their request centres on altering the frequency with which the accused are required to report to the case investigators.
Prof. Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, the former Board Chairman, and Solomon Asamoah, the former CEO of GIIF, are currently facing trial at the Criminal Division of the High Court. They are accused of causing a financial loss of $2 million to the state in connection with a proposed sky train project for Accra.
Both individuals have pleaded not guilty to six charges, including conspiracy, willfully causing financial loss to the state, and intentional dissipation of public funds. They were initially granted bail with a combined sum of GH¢25 million, along with the requirement of two justified sureties.
The initial bail conditions stipulated that Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi report to the police weekly, while Mr. Asamoah was mandated to report to the investigator every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Yesterday, lawyers representing the two made an oral application to the court, requesting a modification to these reporting requirements.
However, Justice Comfort Tasiame, presiding over the case, directed the lawyers to formally file their application with specific justifications, allowing the Attorney-General's office the opportunity to respond. The case has been adjourned until June 24, 2025, for a Case Management Conference (CMC). During this conference, the Deputy Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, is expected to withdraw certain witness statements related to the case.
Prosecution's Case
The Attorney-General accuses Mr. Asamoah and Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi of unlawfully transferring $2 million from GIIF's account to Africa Investor Holdings L. The details of this transfer form the basis of the prosecution's arguments.
Next Steps
The upcoming Case Management Conference will be crucial in determining the direction of the trial. The withdrawal of witness statements could potentially impact the strength of the prosecution's case. The outcome of the bail variation application will also significantly affect the daily lives of the accused.