In the ongoing trial over the controversial Sky Train project, Professor Ameyaw-Akumfi, the former Board Chairman of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF), pleaded not guilty to all four charges levelled against him when he appeared before the High Court in Accra today, May 26.
The 80-year-old statesman, academic, and former cabinet minister was arraigned on multiple counts relating to financial impropriety in connection with the payment of $2 million for a proposed urban railway system that never materialised.
The specific charges and pleas entered were as follows: Count 1: Conspiracy to commit a crime, to wit, wilfully causing financial loss to the Republic- Plea: Not guilty Count 2: Wilfully causing financial loss to the state- Plea: Not guilty Count 4: Conspiracy to commit a crime, to wit, intentional dissipation of public funds- Plea: Not guilty Count 6: Intentional dissipation of public funds- Plea: Not guilty During the hearing, counsel for Professor Ameyaw-Akumfi made a passionate application for bail, arguing that his client is not a flight risk and suffers from significant health challenges that require continuous medical attention. "He is a man of sufficient means and high repute," the defence lawyer told the court, citing Professor Ameyaw-Akumfi's distinguished public service record.
The professor previously served as Minister of Education and Minister of Ports and Harbours under President John Agyekum Kufuor, Pro Vice-Chancellor and lecturer at the University of Cape Coast, as well as Board Chairman of numerous state institutions, including GIIF and the Public Procurement Authority (PPA).
