Accra, Ghana — The much-anticipated trial over the failed $2 million Accra Sky Train project is now officially set to begin on July 23, following a series of legal delays and a withdrawn application by the defence.
Facing charges of causing financial loss to the state and the willful misuse of public funds, former Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF) Board Chair, Prof. Christopher Ameyaw Akumfi, and the former Chief Executive, Solomon Asamoah, have both pleaded not guilty and are currently on bail.
The legal drama unfolded further on Wednesday, July 9, when Prof. Ameyaw Akumfi’s legal team formally withdrew their motion to have charges against him dismissed. The withdrawal prompted Justice Comfort Tasiame to strike out the application, paving the way for the trial to move forward.
This comes after a failed attempt by the Attorney General’s office to expedite proceedings via a motion filed on July 3—a hearing which had to be adjourned due to the absence of the defence counsel.
Meanwhile, Solomon Asamoah’s new legal representative, Victoria Barth, requested more time to familiarize herself with the case, having recently taken over from the previous defence team.
With these preliminary issues now cleared, the prosecution is preparing to roll out its case, beginning with the first of eight witnesses when proceedings resume later this month.
The Accra Sky Train project, once touted as a transformative solution for urban transport in Ghana’s capital, never moved beyond the conceptual stage—despite a hefty $2 million commitment from the state.
As the courtroom prepares for takeoff on July 23, all eyes will be on whether this high-profile trial brings long-awaited accountability for what many now call a “phantom project with real costs.”
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Gumedzo Isaac Acheampong
