Sky Train scandal: Ex-GIIF CEO hiding in Senegal, we’ll prosecute him in absentia if… – AG

The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, announced that Solomon Asamoah is hiding in Senegal. He is a former CEO of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF). Asamoah was involved in a $2 million payment for the failed Accra Sky Train project.

At a press conference on March 24, Mr. Ayine shared details about Asamoah's whereabouts. He left Ghana on February 2, first traveling to South Africa before moving to Senegal.

“The CEO is hiding in Senegal,” he said. “We tracked him first to South Africa, and now he is in Senegal.” When contacted, Asamoah stated he would not return for three months. If he does not return, he will be tried in absentia.

Mr. Ayine explained that the $2 million payment was made at the request of GIIF's Board Chairman, Prof. Ameyaw Ekumfi, and Solomon Asamoah. “We can confirm that the payment was made at their request,” he noted.

Investigations showed that this payment lacked board approval. “There was no board approval for the transaction,” Mr. Ayine stated. The necessary conditions for disbursement were also unmet.

A review of board minutes revealed other members were unaware of this transaction. One member questioned why there was urgency but received no satisfactory answer from those involved.

The funds were sent to a company in Mauritius that turned out to be non-existent. “A lawyer there confirmed it does not exist,” Mr. Ayine added.

He warned that prosecution would begin even if Mr. Asamoah remains outside Ghana. “If there is going to be a delay, we will start prosecution with him as a suspect tried in absentia,” he said.

Prof Ameyaw Ekumfi has been questioned by the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) and granted bail.