News
Sky Train scandal: Prof Ameyaw-Akumfi fails to appear in court over medical emergency
Former Board Chairman of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF), Prof Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, failed to appear before the High Court on Tuesday, May 20, on grounds of ill-health in the ongoing trial regarding the controversial Accra Sky Train project, which allegedly cost the state $2 million.
His legal representative, Duke Aaron Sasu, informed the court that his client’s absence was due to a medical emergency.
According to Mr Sasu, the former Education Minister under the erstwhile Kufuor administration, was rushed to the emergency ward of the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) in the early hours of Tuesday.
The specific nature of Prof Ameyaw-Akumfi’s medical condition remains unclear.
However, his legal team has expressed hope for his full recovery and readiness to face trial in due course.
This incident follows an earlier explanation offered on 13th May, when the plea of Prof Akumfi’s co-accused, former CEO of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund, Solomon Asamoah, was taken.
On that occasion, counsel for Prof Akumfi told the court that the academic and statesman had recently undergone surgery at UGMC, making him unfit to appear in court.
Hearing has been adjourned to May 26.
Prof Akumfi has been charged with conspiracy to commit a crime, specifically, wilfully causing financial loss to the Republic.
The charges, brought under Sections 23(1) and 179A(3)(a) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), relate to a US$2 million payment made in 2019 to Africa Investor Holdings Limited.
The payment was intended to support the development of an urban Skytrain system in Accra, an initiative that was never realised.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
The 24 Hour Economy Authority has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Hunan Architectural Design Institute Group to support the planning of the Volta Economic Corridor.
The agreement aims to guide how land within the corridor will be used, design key infrastructure, and develop systems that will support large scale production.
The partnership will focus on detailed planning to make the area ready for investment and smooth business operations.
The project will include the development of agroecological parks, industrial zones, and transport networks to connect production centres to markets.
According to the Authority, proper planning is critical to building strong economic systems and expanding production across the corridor.
It noted that the collaboration with the Chinese design firm will help lay a solid foundation for industrial growth and long term development within the Volta Economic Corridor.
By: Jacob Aggrey
President of the Ghana Bar Association, Efua Ghartey, has called on judges and lawyers to carry out their duties with humility, fairness, and a strong sense of responsibility.
She made the appeal during the Supreme Court at 150 celebration held at the University of Ghana, under the theme “Honouring the past, celebrating the present and defining the future.”
Addressing participants, she noted that those in the legal profession occupy positions of great power and influence, and must therefore remain humble in the discharge of their duties.
She urged both the bench and the bar to deliver justice without fear or ill will, stressing the need for fairness in handling cases.
Reflecting on the significance of the celebration, she explained that the year 1876 marks not only the establishment of the Supreme Court but also the beginning of formally trained lawyers in the Gold Coast.
The GBA President questioned what Ghana would be without the rule of law, which is upheld by judges and lawyers, adding that the country could descend into a system where only the strongest survive if justice is not properly administered.
She further encouraged legal practitioners to reflect on their responsibilities and remain committed to upholding the rule of law for the benefit of all citizens.
By: Jacob Aggrey
