Ex-GIIF CEO denies hiding from justice in Senegal over Sky Train fiasco, says he'll return

Solomon Asamoah, the former CEO of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF), denies hiding in Senegal.

Attorney General Dr. Dominic Ayine made this claim during a press briefing on March 24. He alleged that Mr. Asamoah was involved in a $2 million payment for the failed Accra Skytrain project. This payment was reportedly made without GIIF board approval and sent to a non-existent company in Mauritius.

Dr. Ayine stated that Mr. Asamoah had been tracked from South Africa to Senegal. When contacted, Mr. Asamoah said he would not return to Ghana for three months. The Attorney General warned that if he fails to return, he could be tried in absentia.

In response, Mr. Asamoah issued a statement rejecting these claims as "false and baseless." He emphasized that he is not hiding and called the allegations inaccurate and untrue.

Mr. Asamoah explained that he left Ghana on March 21 for pre-scheduled board meetings related to his corporate responsibilities. He noted that these meetings were planned well in advance.

He clarified that he had been in Ghana for long periods throughout February and March. He also mentioned never being contacted by any government official about investigations.

“At no point was I contacted by any government official regarding investigations,” he stated.

Mr. Asamoah confirmed his departure from Ghana but noted an official from the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) contacted him on March 22 via WhatsApp. They arranged an online meeting scheduled for Wednesday, March 26.

“We agreed to meet to address any potential misunderstandings regarding GIIF investments,” he explained.

While denying any wrongdoing, Mr. Asamoah reflected on his career at GIIF under his leadership. He stressed his work was based on “integrity, transparency, and accountability.”

He highlighted GIIF’s financial success during his seven years as CEO, noting cumulative net profits exceeded GHS 2.5 billion—more than double the original GHS 1.2 billion investment by the government.

“This success allowed the fund to grow from GHS 1.2 billion to GHS 5.2 billion by the end of 2023,” he added.

Mr. Asamoah firmly denied fleeing or evading justice, stating he will return to Ghana soon and cooperate with the Attorney General’s investigation.

“I am confident my involvement will clear up misconceptions and protect my reputation,” he said.

Meanwhile, investigations into the $2 million payment and the failed Accra Skytrain project continue. Dr. Ayine indicated prosecution could proceed even if Mr. Asamoah remains abroad, potentially leading to a trial in absentia.