The legal representatives of the former Board Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF) are making moves to modify the bail conditions that require the accused individuals to report to investigators regularly. This development unfolds amidst the ongoing trial concerning the Accra Sky Train project.
Key Figures in the Case
Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, the former Board Chairman of GIIF, and Solomon Asamoah, the ex-CEO of the fund, 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 deal aimed at constructing a sky train system for Accra.
The Charges
Both Professor Ameyaw-Akumfi and Mr. Asamoah have pleaded not guilty to the six charges against them. These charges include 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 required, along with two justified sureties.
Current Bail Conditions
As part of their initial bail conditions, Professor Ameyaw-Akumfi was required to report to the police once a week. Solomon Asamoah, on the other hand, was obligated to report to the investigator every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. It is these reporting requirements that their lawyers are now seeking to alter.
Legal Arguments and Court's Response
During a recent court session, the defense lawyers orally requested the court to vary the bail terms related to their clients' reporting obligations. However, Justice Comfort Tasiame, presiding over the case, instructed the lawyers to formally file a written application detailing the reasons for the requested variation. This written application will allow the Attorney-General's office to respond to the request.
Next Steps
The case has been adjourned to June 24, 2025, for a Case Management Conference (CMC). During this conference, Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, the Deputy Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, is expected to withdraw some witness statements related to the case.
Prosecution's Claims
The Attorney-General's office has accused Asamoah and Professor Ameyaw-Akumfi of allegedly transferring $2 million from GIIF's account to Africa Investor Holdings L. The details of this transfer and its connection to the sky train project form the core of the prosecution's case.