By Boakye Stephen, Kumasi, Ghana | Reporting for Ghanaian News, Canada
The long-running Skytrain scandal case has entered a crucial stage after prosecutors officially concluded their evidence against former Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF) Chief Executive Officer Solomon Asamoah and former Board Chairman Prof. Christopher Ameyaw-Ekumfi.
The two are accused of authorising the release of $2 million toward the proposed Skytrain project without the approval of the GIIF Board, an action prosecutors say caused financial loss to the state.
Three witnesses testified for the state, former GIIF Board Member Yaw Odame-Darkwa, Acting Board Secretary Kofi Boakye, and National Intelligence Bureau investigator Francis Aboagye. All maintained in their testimonies that the board never formally approved the transaction connected to the project.
Following the close of the prosecution’s case, lawyers for the accused announced plans to file a submission of no case, arguing that the evidence presented does not sufficiently establish the offences alleged against their clients.
Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay granted the defence three weeks to submit the application.
Commentary | Boakye Stephen
The Skytrain matter continues to symbolize broader public concerns about accountability in state-backed investment decisions. While the prosecution believes it has demonstrated procedural breaches, the defence appears determined to challenge whether those alleged breaches amount to criminal conduct.
The coming ruling on the “submission of no case” application could become one of the most important moments in the trial. If the court agrees with the defence, the case may end without the accused opening their defence. If not, the trial will move into a more politically sensitive phase where the accused themselves may have to respond publicly to the allegations.
