Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, former Chairperson of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF), was rushed to the hospital early Tuesday morning, prompting a delay in court proceedings related to the ongoing $2 million Sky Train case.
Defense lawyer Duke Aaron Sasu informed the High Court that Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi had been taken to the emergency ward at dawn and would not be available in court as scheduled. He assured the court that arrangements would be made to submit a medical report by Friday, May 23.
This development comes as Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi and former GIIF CEO Solomon Asamoah face charges for their alleged roles in the failed Accra Sky Train project. The charges, filed on May 13, include six counts ranging from conspiracy to commit a crime and willfully causing financial loss to the Republic, to the intentional dissipation of public funds.
The prosecution alleges that in February 2019, the two authorized the payment of $2 million to Africa Investor Holdings Limited for the development of the Accra Sky Train project — a venture that was never executed. According to Deputy Attorney-General Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, the payment was made without due diligence or proper board approval, as required under the law.
While Solomon Asamoah has pleaded not guilty and has been granted bail set at GHS 15 million, he remains in custody due to his inability to meet the bail conditions. Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi, on the other hand, has yet to enter a plea due to ongoing medical treatment. His appearance in court was originally scheduled for May 20 but has now been postponed.
Justice Comfort Tasiame expressed concern about the timing of the accused’s medical emergencies, noting that this is the second consecutive court date on which Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi was reported ill. The Deputy Attorney-General echoed the observation, stating that while the prosecution was not suggesting deliberate evasion, the pattern warranted attention.
The case has been adjourned to Monday, May 26, when the court is expected to take Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi’s plea and determine the next steps in the proceedings.
