By Josephine Kekeli Amuzu
Former Chairman of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF), Prof. Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, has been granted bail after being detained by the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) in connection with the $2 million Sky Train scandal.
His lawyer, Ken Kuranchie, confirmed his release in an interview with Channel One TV, stating that his legal team acted swiftly to secure his freedom while investigations continue.
According to Kuranchie, Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi was invited for questioning on Sunday morning and taken to the NIB National Headquarters before being transferred to the Kanda branch for further interrogation. Initially, officials informed him that he was under arrest and would be detained, but he was later released the same day.
Background: The Sky Train Controversy
His detention follows concerns raised in the 2021 Auditor-General’s report, which revealed that the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) set up for the Sky Train project had no operational license, yet $2 million was disbursed through GIIF under his leadership.
The Sky Train project, announced in 2017, was expected to revolutionize urban transport in Accra but never materialized. In July 2023, the Minority in Parliament demanded accountability, questioning why public funds were released without the necessary approvals or feasibility studies.
Speaking on the case, Kuranchie emphasized that Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi is innocent of all allegations.
“The issues being raised relate to his time as Board Chairman at GIIF, which is a government fund for investment. However, my client is completely innocent of all charges,” he stated.
When asked whether further legal action could be expected, Kuranchie urged caution, noting that the investigation is still ongoing. “Let’s wait and see what turns out next,” he added.
While Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi has been released, it remains uncertain whether he will face further questioning or legal proceedings as the investigation continues.
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