The Criminal Division of the High Court Accra has granted bail to Prof. Christopher Ameyaw Akumfi, the second accused (A2) in the high-profile Skytrain corruption trial, taking into account the accused’s advanced age and serious health conditions.
Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, appearing as Deputy Attorney General (DAG), confirmed that at the last adjourned date, the Court was informed by counsel for A2 that the accused would be present for his plea to be taken.
A2, represented by Duke Aaron Sasu with legal support from Edwin Arthur and Kwasi Kwarteng Frimpong, under the leadership of Andrew Appiah-Dankwa, appeared in court in a wheelchair and pleaded not guilty to the offences pressed against him.
Counsel Sasu described A2 as a “distinguished academic and statesman” who has devoted over 50 years of his life to public service in Ghana.
Despite being interrupted by the Court to go straight to the point, Counsel Sasu detailed A2’s notable past: former Minister of Education, former Minister for Ports, Harbours and Railways, former MP, former Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) and former board chairman of state institutions such as the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF) and the Public Procurement Authority.
“A2 has undergone hip surgery, severely affecting his mobility, and a coronary angiogram to address a heart condition,” Sasu told the Court, citing medical reports submitted to the prosecution.
“He’s a known hypertensive who requires consistent monitoring. These health circumstances make a denial of bail particularly burdensome and potentially dangerous.”
Sasu emphasised A2’s cooperation with law enforcement throughout the investigation. “He has honoured every invitation by the National Investigations Bureau, even undergoing six-hour interrogations at his age. He’s not a flight risk, resides permanently in Pokuase, and has voluntarily submitted his passport for bail purposes.”
Dr. Srem-Sai, the Deputy Attorney General, did not oppose bail, but noted that the prosecution received A2’s medical documents only on the morning of the hearing.
“One document is dated May 13, 2025 and another is from June 28, 2024. We are not opposed to bail but pray the same conditions given to A1 be applied, except A2 should report once a week instead of three times.”
Court Ruling
Presiding over the matter, Justice Comfort Tasiame ruled: “I have listened to both sides. Bail is granted in the sum of GH¢10 million with two sureties to be justified with landed properties. Sureties must deposit copies of their Ghana Cards. The accused shall report once every week and must hand over his passport.” The case has been adjourned to June 10, 2025.
Background to the Skytrain Trial
The Skytrain project, once touted as a revolutionary transportation solution for Accra, has been the subject of investigations after allegations of procurement breaches and financial irregularities emerged.
The trial involves two accused persons Solomon Asamoah, former CEO of GIIF (A1) and Prof Ekumfi (A2), both high-profile former government officials and technocrats.
The Attorney-General’s Department is prosecuting the case on allegations of causing financial loss to the Republic and engaging in procurement infractions linked to feasibility studies and contractual arrangements signed under the previous administration.
A1, represented by Edem Nuhoho, has already been granted bail under similar conditions. A2’s admission into the legal process marks a significant development as the case continues to draw national attention.
The post Prof Akumfi Given GH¢10m Bail appeared first on The Ghanaian Chronicle.
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