The High Court in Accra has issued a third extension to the witness statements of former GIIF Chief Executive Officer, Solomon Asamoah, and former Board Chairman, Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, in the ongoing $2 million SkyTrain trial. This decision follows a protracted legal battle concerning the alleged improper payment of funds by the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF) to the project, which was never completed. The court, led by Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, directed the two accused persons to file their statements by September 23, 2026, a deadline set after their lawyers separately requested a postponement of proceedings pending a decision on fresh applications before the Supreme Court.
The court also scheduled a case management conference for October 5, 6, and 7, 2026, with the trial adjourned to October 5 at 9 a.m., effectively extending the timeframe for the accused’s defense. The prosecution, representing the state, has strongly opposed the applications, arguing that the accused had already been given sufficient time to prepare their defense processes. Deputy Attorney-General, Dr Justice Srem-Sai, stated that on July 2, the accused persons were given 21 days to file their defense processes, which expired on August 20, 2026. He further asserted that the failure to file the defense processes signifies a deliberate rejection of the prosecution’s case and a readiness to proceed to conviction.
The prosecution maintains that the accused persons elected not to defend themselves and proceed to convict them, having earlier ruled that the prosecution had established a prima facie case. However, counsel for Mr. Asamoah, Prince Asafo Adjei, invoked the supervisory jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and filed an interlocutory injunction application, scheduled to be heard on August 27, effectively seeking a halt to the trial.
Dr. Srem-Sai emphasized that the filing of defense processes does not preclude the High Court from continuing with the criminal proceedings. The judge, however, exercised her discretion to grant the accused another extension to file their witness statements. She cautioned that the court would proceed in accordance with the law should the accused fail to comply with the new deadline. The case concerns an alleged $2 million payment by the GIIF to the Accra SkyTrain project, which was never constructed, and which was made without the requisite approval of the GIIF Board. The prosecution alleges that the payment was made without the requisite approval, and that Mr. Asamoah and Professor Ameyaw-Akumfi are facing charges including willfully causing financial loss to the State and intentional dissipation of public funds.
The court’s decision follows a complex legal process, with the prosecution initially dismissing the applications for a stay of proceedings pending appeal. The judge, however, exercised her discretion to grant the accused another extension to file their witness statements, a move that has significant implications for the trial’s timeline and the potential for further legal challenges.
The case’s significance lies in its potential to impact the project’s future and the financial implications of the alleged payment. The prosecution’s claim of a $2 million loss underscores the controversy surrounding the SkyTrain project and the GIIF’s involvement, and the extended delay reflects the court’s focus on ensuring due process and safeguarding the rights of the accused.
The ruling, as previously reported by Adom Online, demonstrates a commitment to upholding the rule of law, even when faced with legal challenges and delays. The court’s decision will undoubtedly be closely scrutinized by legal experts and stakeholders, as it could significantly affect the trajectory of the case and the potential for further legal action.
Stakeholders are watching closely to see how this extension impacts the potential for a conviction, and the implications for the project’s financial status. The extended timeframe provides the accused with a vital opportunity to present their defense and potentially mitigate the risks associated with the prosecution’s case.
Tagging: SkyTrain, Ghana, GIIF, Witness Statements, Trial, Justice,
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Source: Adom Online
