Judge threatens to proceed with Ameyaw-Akumfi’s trial if he is absent again

The High Court hearing the case involving former Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF) Board Chairman, Prof. Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, has warned that the trial will proceed in his absence if he fails to appear with legal representation by Wednesday.

Presiding judge, Justice Audrey Kocuvi-Tay, issued the caution after Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi appeared in court without counsel on Monday. His new lawyer, Yaw Boafo, reportedly could not attend as he had not completed his registration to represent the accused.

The Chief State Attorney, Sefakor Batse, expressed frustration over the delay, noting that the prosecution’s first witness was ready to testify.

The case involves Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi, former GIIF Board Chairman, and Solomon Asamoah, the fund’s former Chief Executive Officer. The two have been charged with causing financial loss to the state over their alleged roles in the disbursement of funds toward the Sky Train project.

At the previous hearing, defence lawyers filed a motion seeking to compel the prosecution to disclose documents they deemed essential to their clients’ defence.

Victoria Barth, counsel for the first accused, argued that the documents—including minutes of board and committee meetings- contained information crucial to demonstrating that the investment was duly authorised.

Duke Aaron Sasu, counsel for Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi, fully adopted Barth’s submissions, insisting on full disclosure by the prosecution.

However, Deputy Attorney-General Dr. Justice Srem-Sai opposed the motion, stating that the requested materials were not in the possession of the prosecution or investigators.

Justice Kocuvi-Tay dismissed the defence’s application, ruling that the materials had not been proven to be in the prosecution’s possession. She added that the defence could pursue other legal avenues to obtain the documents if necessary.

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