Ameyaw-Akumfi seeks Supreme Court intervention in Sky Train trial

Lawyers for Prof. Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, former Board Chair of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF), have moved to pause his criminal prosecution over the contentious Sky Train project. The legal team is challenging the basis of the charges and wants the case halted pending constitutional interpretation.

Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi and former GIIF CEO Solomon Asamoah are currently standing trial for allegedly causing financial loss to the state and misusing public resources linked to the now-stalled urban rail initiative.

In their latest filing, the defence is urging the High Court to suspend the trial and refer key legal questions to the Supreme Court. The motion hinges on Article 130(2) of the 1992 Constitution, which mandates lower courts to defer proceedings when constitutional interpretation is at stake.

Central to the challenge is the legality of Sections 1 and 7 of the Public Property Protection Law (SMCD 140), which the defence argues may conflict with Article 19’s fair trial guarantees. Section 1 imposes stiff penalties—up to 10 years—for the willful misuse of state funds, while Section 7 holds directors and officers criminally liable for corporate offences unless they prove diligence or lack of involvement.

The defence contends that these provisions may undermine the presumption of innocence and fair trial standards. They are asking the court to strike out the charges as premature and unconstitutional.

Meanwhile, the prosecution has streamlined its case, withdrawing four witness statements and confirming its intent to rely on eight witnesses.

The High Court has adjourned proceedings until July 9, when it will decide whether to refer the matter to the Supreme Court. The ruling could significantly impact the direction and timeline of a trial that has already drawn public and political scrutiny.