$2m SkyTrain case: Former GIIF bosses get until September 23 to file witness statements

The High Court in Accra has granted former Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF) Chief Executive Officer Solomon Asamoah and former Board Chairman Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi another extension to file their witness statements in the $2 million SkyTrain case.

Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay directed the two accused persons to file their witness statements by September 23, 2026.

The extension was granted after lawyers for the two former GIIF officials separately asked the court to adjourn proceedings to allow fresh applications filed before the Supreme Court to be determined.

The court has also scheduled a case management conference for October 5, 6 and 7, 2026, while the substantive trial has been adjourned to October 5 at 9 a.m.

The prosecution opposed the applications, arguing that the accused persons had already been given adequate time to prepare and file their defence.

Deputy Attorney-General Dr Justice Srem-Sai told the court that on July 2, the accused persons were directed to file their defence processes within 21 days.

Following the dismissal of their applications for a stay of proceedings pending appeal on July 30, the court granted them an additional 21 days to file their defence processes.

The prosecution said that deadline expired on August 20, but the latest applications by the accused persons were filed on August 21.

Dr Srem-Sai therefore urged the court to consider their failure to file the required defence processes as an indication that they had chosen not to defend themselves.

He further asked the court to proceed with conviction, arguing that it had already determined that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against the accused persons.

However, counsel for Mr Asamoah, Prince Asafo Adjei, told the court that his client had invoked the supervisory jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and filed an interlocutory injunction application, which is scheduled to come before the apex court on August 27.

Counsel for Professor Ameyaw-Akumfi, Godfred Gyimah Okyere, also informed the court that his client had filed a fresh application seeking a stay of proceedings pending appeal, with the matter scheduled to be heard on September 1.

In her ruling, Justice Kocuvie-Tay held that the applications before the Supreme Court did not prevent the High Court from continuing with the criminal proceedings.

The judge, nevertheless, exercised her discretion to grant the accused persons another extension to file their witness statements.

She cautioned that the court would take the appropriate legal steps if they failed to comply with the September 23 deadline.

Background

The case stems from an alleged $2 million payment made by GIIF in connection with the proposed Accra SkyTrain project, which was never constructed.

The prosecution alleges that the payment was made without the requisite approval of the GIIF Board.

Mr Asamoah and Professor Ameyaw-Akumfi have been charged with offences including wilfully causing financial loss to the State and intentional dissipation of public funds.