Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, former Board Chair of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF), has missed a second consecutive court appearance in the ongoing Sky Train trial, citing ill health.
Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi is standing trial alongside the fund’s former CEO, Solomon Asamoah, on charges of willfully causing financial loss to the state.
The two are accused of authorising the transfer of $2 million in public funds to Africa Investor Holdings for the proposed Sky Train project—despite no work being done to justify the payment.
During proceedings on Tuesday, May 20, Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi’s lawyer, Duke Aaron Sasu, informed the court that his client had been rushed to the hospital earlier that morning.
His absence mirrors a similar situation at the initial hearing on May 13, when he also failed to appear due to medical reasons.
Justice Comfort Tasiame, who is presiding over the case, expressed concern about the pattern of medical emergencies coinciding with scheduled court appearances.
Nonetheless, Mr. Sasu assured the court that his client would be available for arraignment on Friday.
Meanwhile, Mr. Asamoah, who pleaded not guilty at the last sitting, remains in custody after failing to meet his bail conditions. He was granted bail set at GH¢15 million with two sureties, both required to justify their bail with landed property in Accra.
Deputy Attorney General Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, representing the state, acknowledged the judge’s concerns regarding Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi’s absence and said the prosecution may reconsider its approach at the next hearing.
The case has been adjourned to Monday, May 26, at 10:00 a.m.
