The former Board Chairman of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF), Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, has publicly declared his innocence amid the ongoing trial related to the failed Accra SkyTrain project.
In a written personal statement released on Friday, May 30, 2025, Professor Ameyaw-Akumfi, speaking for the first time since the trial commenced, confirmed that he has pleaded not guilty to the charges filed against him by the Attorney General. He emphasized his commitment to accountability, insisting it must be pursued within the principles of fairness and justice.
“I have taken note of the concerns expressed by many regarding the ongoing legal proceedings in the Sky Train case and wish to state that I have pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against me. I remain a firm believer in accountability, provided it is pursued within the framework of fairness and justice,” his statement read.
Expressing confidence in his innocence, Professor Ameyaw-Akumfi declared his readiness to prove his case and clear his name of any criminal wrongdoing associated with the project, while affirming his trust in Ghana’s judicial system. “I welcome the opportunity to clear my name and have full confidence in my innocence,” he added. In a show of gratitude, the professor extended thanks to Kennedy Agyapong, former Member of Parliament for Assin Central, and Martin Kwaku Agyei Mensah Korsah, MP for Techiman South, applauding their “demonstration of true brotherliness.”
Professor Ameyaw-Akumfi, who also served as Minister of Education, faces prosecution for allegedly causing a financial loss of $2 million to the state in connection with the failed Accra SkyTrain initiative. He is being tried alongside Solomon Asamoah, the former GIIF Chief Executive Officer, with both charged on six counts related to the $2 million deal.
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Ameyaw-Akumfi & The Sky Train That Was Never Built
Background and Scope of the Accra SkyTrain Project
The SkyTrain project was announced in 2021 amid widespread public excitement. It promised a modern, fast, and efficient rail system to alleviate traffic congestion in Accra, generate thousands of jobs, and boost trade by facilitating easier goods transportation. Professor Ameyaw-Akumfi, known for his eloquence, held several press conferences outlining the social, economic, and environmental benefits anticipated from the project.
The government allocated $2 million to cover feasibility studies, initial land acquisitions, and minor construction activities. Various construction companies, engineering firms, and transport experts were engaged to begin preliminary work, and initially, the project appeared to be progressing as planned. However, concerns soon arose. Independent experts questioned the project’s scope, noting that $2 million seemed insufficient for such a large-scale infrastructure venture.
Transparency issues regarding the tendering process for contractors also surfaced, fueling rumors of mismanagement and corruption. The feasibility study, intended to guide the project, raised the first major alarm. While it projected impressive returns and an ambitious timeline, it lacked the comprehensive detail expected of a project of this scale. Industry professionals highlighted that the estimated costs were significantly underestimated, and crucial factors such as land acquisition complexities, environmental impact, and construction challenges were inadequately addressed. Critics argued that the study appeared hastily prepared and insufficiently thorough, casting doubt on the project’s viability from the outset.
Disappearance of Funds For The Sky Train
Over time, the project began to lose momentum. The initial excitement faded as it became evident that progress was much slower than expected. Contractors hired for various tasks started reporting delays, and in some cases, work was completely halted. The $2 million allocated for the project was being spent in ways that were difficult to track. Internal audits revealed that millions of dollars had been improperly diverted to expenses unrelated to the project, raising serious concerns of financial mismanagement.
Rumors of kickbacks and corrupt dealings began to circulate. Whispers within government circles suggested that Ameyaw-Akumfi might have been involved in secret agreements with contractors who benefited from inflated project costs. Although these allegations remained unproven, they quickly gained traction in the media, further damaging the reputation of the former transportation minister.
In 2023, following increasing public pressure, the government was compelled to launch an official investigation into the SkyLink project. Ameyaw-Akumfi, who had long defended the project, suddenly found himself at the center of controversy. Investigators uncovered numerous irregularities in how the $2 million was spent. Documentation showed contractors received large payments for work that was never completed. Additionally, some contractors lacked any experience in transportation infrastructure, and their qualifications were highly questionable.
Once a respected leader, Ameyaw-Akumfi was summoned to testify before the parliamentary committee overseeing the investigation. He strongly denied any wrongdoing, asserting that external challenges had hindered the project’s progress.
