The High Court in Accra has granted former Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF) Chief Executive Officer Solomon Asamoah and former Board Chairman Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi a third extension of time to file their witness statements in the ongoing US$2 million Accra Sky Train trial.
Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay directed the two accused persons to file their witness statements by September 23, 2026, after their lawyers separately asked the court to adjourn the case pending the determination of fresh applications before the Supreme Court.
The court also scheduled a case management conference for October 5, 6 and 7, 2026, and adjourned the trial to October 5 at 9:00 a.m.
The prosecution opposed the request for another adjournment, arguing that the accused persons had already been given adequate time to prepare and file their defence processes.
Deputy Attorney-General Dr Justice Srem-Sai told the court that on July 2, the accused were ordered to file their defence processes within 21 days.
According to the prosecution, after applications seeking a stay of proceedings pending appeal were dismissed on July 30, the court granted the accused another 21 days to file their defence processes.
That second deadline expired on August 20, but the accused filed their latest applications on August 21.
Dr Srem-Sai therefore urged the court to treat the failure to file the defence processes as an indication that the accused had elected not to defend themselves.
He further asked the court to proceed with the case and convict the accused, following an earlier finding that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against them.
Counsel for Solomon Asamoah, Prince Asafo Adjei, told the court that his client had invoked the supervisory jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and had also filed an application for an interlocutory injunction.
The application is scheduled for hearing on August 27, 2026.
Meanwhile, counsel for Professor Ameyaw-Akumfi, Godfred Gyimah Okyere, said his client had filed a fresh application seeking a stay of proceedings pending appeal. That application is scheduled to be heard on September 1, 2026.
Court grants extension but issues warning
In her ruling, Justice Kocuvie-Tay held that the filing of applications before the Supreme Court did not prevent the High Court from continuing with the criminal proceedings.
However, the judge exercised her discretion to grant both accused persons another extension to file their witness statements.
She warned that the court would proceed in accordance with the law if they failed to comply with the new deadline.
The case centres on an alleged US$2 million payment by GIIF in connection with the proposed Accra Sky Train project, which was never constructed.
The prosecution alleges that the payment was made without the requisite approval of the GIIF Board.
Solomon Asamoah and Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi are facing charges including wilfully causing financial loss to the State and intentional dissipation of public funds.
The latest ruling means the two former GIIF officials now have until September 23 to file their witness statements, with the case expected to return to the High Court on October 5, 2026.
