Sky Train scandal: Accra High Court to hear plea of Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi today

The High Court in Accra will hear Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi's plea today. This is part of the trial over the controversial Sky Train project.

Professor Ameyaw-Akumfi was the former Board Chairman of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF). He faces multiple charges, including causing financial loss to the state.

The trial focuses on about $2 million spent on an urban sky train system that never happened. Professor Ameyaw-Akumfi is on trial with Solomon Asamoah, a former CEO of GIIF.

Mr. Asamoah has already entered his plea. However, Professor Ameyaw-Akumfi's proceedings have been delayed due to his absence in court twice.

His legal team says these delays are due to health issues. They cite his ongoing medical condition as a reason for missing court.

Expectations are high in the courtroom today. The judge, prosecutors, and defense lawyers are ready for the proceedings. They aim to see if Professor Ameyaw-Akumfi will respond to the charges against him.

In early May, the Attorney General’s Office charged both men for their roles in the Sky Train project. This project allegedly cost $2 million without proper authorization.

The charges were filed on May 13 at the Accra High Court (Criminal Division). They include causing financial loss to the state and conspiracy to commit a crime involving public funds.

Prosecutors claim that in February 2019, they authorized a $2 million payment from GIIF to Africa Investor Holdings Limited. This payment was for preliminary work on a Sky Train system that was never built.

Reports indicate this payment lacked proper board approval. The Sky Train project began in 2018 as a public-private partnership for an urban rail system in Accra.

It involved agreements between the Ministry of Railways Development, Africa Investor Holdings, and GIIF. Investigations showed that the $2 million disbursement violated governance protocols at GIIF.

This prosecution is part of a broader government effort against financial misconduct. It follows earlier warnings about pending charges related to both the SkyTrain and NSS ghost names scandals.