Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi’s Lawyer withdraws from $2m sky train case.
Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi’s Lawyer withdraws from $2m sky train case.
The trial of former Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF) Board Chairman, Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, took an unexpected turn on Monday when his lawyer withdrew from the ongoing $2 million Sky Train case over a misunderstanding with his client.
Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi and the fund’s Chief Executive Officer, Solomon Asamoah, are standing trial at the High Court on six counts of conspiracy, willfully causing financial loss to the state, and intentional dissipation of public funds. They have both pleaded not guilty to all charges related to the failed Accra Sky Train project.
When the case was called for hearing, counsel for Asamoah, led by lawyer Victoria Barth, was present, but Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi appeared in court without legal representation.
Presiding judge Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay inquired about the absence of his lawyer, Duke Aaron Sasu, who had represented him since the trial began. In response, the accused explained that there had been a “misunderstanding” between them which was “being mediated.”
However, a court clerk later informed the judge that a letter had been received from Mr. Sasu formally withdrawing from the case.
“Your lawyer has written a letter that he is no more representing you,” Justice Kocuvie-Tay told the accused in open court.
Meanwhile, Asamoah’s lawyers have filed an application for a stay of proceedings, pending the outcome of an appeal challenging the trial court’s decision to dismiss their motion for further disclosures. The hearing of that application has been fixed for October 20, 2025.
The court has since adjourned proceedings to allow the defence team to serve the prosecution with the necessary documents and for Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi to secure new legal representation.
