Solomon Asamoah: Court Asked to Compel 15 Sky Train Witnesses

• Solomon Asamoah, former GIIF CEO, seeks a court order to compel 15 individuals to testify in the Ghana Sky Train trial.
• The individuals include former Minister Joe Ghartey, the current GIIF CEO, the Auditor-General, and representatives from Deloitte and PwC.
• Asamoah and former GIIF Board Chairman Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi face six charges, including causing US$2 million financial loss to the state.
• The alleged loss stems from a US$2 million payment to Africa Investor Holdings Limited in 2019 for an equity stake in the unbuilt Accra Sky Train project.
• The prosecution claims the payment lacked GIIF Board approval and necessary authorization, while the accused have pleaded not guilty.

The power of the court to compel testimony from relevant parties is a crucial mechanism for uncovering facts and ensuring justice, reinforcing the need for all stakeholders in public projects to maintain impeccable records and adhere strictly to governance procedures.

Solomon Asamoah, the primary defendant in the ongoing Ghana Sky Train trial, has formally requested the court to compel testimony from 15 individuals. This significant development comes as Mr. Asamoah, the former Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF), prepares to present his defense against charges of causing financial loss to the state. The list of potential witnesses includes prominent figures such as former Minister for Railway Development Joe Ghartey, the current CEO of GIIF Nana Dwemoh Benneh, and Auditor-General Dr. Pamela Graham, alongside representatives from financial advisory firms Deloitte Ghana and PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Mr. Asamoah and his co-accused, former GIIF Board Chairman Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, face six charges, including conspiracy to wilfully cause financial loss to the Republic, wilfully causing financial loss, and conspiracy to commit intentional dissipation of public funds. The prosecution contends that the two officials conspired to facilitate a US$2 million payment to Africa Investor Holdings Limited in February 2019. This payment was allegedly for an equity stake in a company associated with the Accra Sky Train project, a venture that ultimately never materialized despite plans for a partnership between the government, GIIF, and private investors.

A central pillar of the prosecution's case is the assertion that this substantial payment lacked the necessary approval from the GIIF Board and was disbursed without proper authorization. The Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund was a key player in the proposed project, which aimed to develop an elevated urban rail transportation system. The prosecution concluded its presentation in May 2026 after calling three witnesses. Following this, in July 2026, the High Court rejected a submission of no case from the defendants, mandating that they proceed with their defense. Witness statements from the accused were subsequently filed in September 2026, setting the stage for the current phase of the trial where Solomon Asamoah seeks to compel testimony in Ghana court.

The decision by Solomon Asamoah to compel testimony from 15 individuals underscores the critical nature of the evidence he believes is necessary for his defense in the Ghana Sky Train trial. The inclusion of high-ranking officials and financial experts highlights the complex web of approvals and due diligence expected in large-scale public infrastructure projects. The court's potential decision to order these individuals to appear and testify could set an important precedent regarding accountability and transparency in government-backed initiatives, particularly those involving significant public funds.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the legal risks faced by public officials and board members involved in major government projects. It emphasizes the paramount importance of stringent internal controls, clear authorization protocols, and meticulous financial approvals to prevent allegations of financial loss to the state. The power of the court to compel testimony from relevant parties is a crucial mechanism for uncovering facts and ensuring justice, reinforcing the need for all stakeholders in public projects to maintain impeccable records and adhere strictly to governance procedures. The outcome of this trial, and specifically the court's ruling on Mr. Asamoah's request to compel Sky Train witnesses, will be closely watched for its implications on future public sector engagements and the enforcement of financial regulations.

This case highlights the significant legal risks for public officials and board members involved in large government projects, particularly concerning financial approvals and due diligence. Lawyers advising entities or individuals in the public sector should emphasize the critical importance of robust internal controls and clear authorization protocols to prevent allegations of financial loss to the state, and be prepared for the court's power to compel testimony from relevant parties.

Source: Original reporting via Adomonline.com