Sky Train Trial: $2m loss was caused by Covid-19 – Defence Lawyers
Lawyers for two former Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund officials have told the High Court in Accra that the failure of the Accra Sky Train project and the loss of a $2 million investment were largely caused by disruptions brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, not criminal conduct.
The submission was made as the defence sought to convince the court that the prosecution had failed to establish a case against former GIIF Chief Executive, Solomon Asamoah and former Board Chairman Prof Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi.
The two men are standing trial over the failed Accra Sky Train project, an ambitious urban rail initiative that was intended to ease traffic congestion in the capital through an automated elevated transport system.
According to the prosecution, GIIF transferred $2 million to Africa Investor Holdings Limited in February 2019 without the necessary approvals and governance procedures.
Prosecutors argue that the transaction did not receive formal board authorisation and that the funds were ultimately dissipated without delivering any tangible asset or infrastructure.
The State has charged the two accused persons with offences including conspiracy to commit crime, wilfully causing financial loss to the State and intentional dissipation of public funds.
However, defence lawyers rejected the allegations, arguing that the transaction followed established processes and was regularly discussed at management and board level.
They told the court that documentary evidence, including board minutes and internal correspondence, showed that the project was subject to oversight and review by GIIF officials.
The defence further argued that the project’s delays and eventual collapse were significantly affected by the global Covid 19 pandemic, which disrupted investment flows, project timelines and international business operations.
Lawyers for the accused have therefore filed a submission of no case to answer, insisting that the prosecution has not produced sufficient evidence to require their clients to open a defence.
The prosecution has already closed its case after calling its witnesses.