The former CEO of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF), Solomon Asamoah, who is the first accused in the ongoing Sky Train case, remains in custody after failing to meet bail conditions imposed a week ago.
Mr. Asamoah is standing trial alongside the former Board Chair of the fund, Prof. Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, on charges of willfully causing financial loss to the state and the dissipation of public funds.
The two are accused of authorising the transfer of $2 million in public funds from GIIF accounts to Africa Investor Holdings, a company contracted to build and operate the proposed Sky Train project. According to prosecutors, the transfer was made without proper authorisation and no work was done to justify the payment.
At the initial court appearance on May 13, Solomon Asamoah pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted bail set at GH¢15 million, with two sureties, both required to justify their bail with landed property located in Accra.
However, during proceedings on Tuesday, May 20, it was revealed that Mr. Asamoah is yet to meet those bail conditions and therefore remains in custody.
Meanwhile, Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi, who was absent during the initial arraignment due to medical reasons, was once again absent in court on Tuesday. His lawyer, Duke Aaron Sasu, informed the court that the former board chair was rushed to the hospital early Tuesday morning.
Justice Comfort Tasiame, presiding over the case, expressed concern over the timing of Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi’s recurring medical emergencies, which appear to coincide with scheduled court dates.
Despite this, Mr. Sasu assured the court that his client will be available for arraignment on Friday.
The state, represented by Deputy Attorney General Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, acknowledged the judge’s observation and noted that the prosecution may reconsider its approach regarding Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi at the next hearing.
The case has been adjourned to Monday, May 26, at 10:00 a.m.
