Former Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF) Chairman, Prof. Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, has been granted bail following his detention by the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) about the $2 million Sky Train scandal.
His lawyer, Ken Kuranchie, confirmed the release during an interview with ChannelOne TV, noting that his legal team acted promptly to secure his freedom as investigations into the matter continue.
Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi was taken into custody on Sunday morning when NIB officials visited his home and requested his presence for questioning.
His arrest is linked to an ongoing investigation into alleged financial misconduct involving a $2 million payment made to Africa Investor Holdings for the stalled Accra Sky Train project.
The Sky Train controversy
The former GIIF chairman’s detention stems from issues highlighted in a 2021 Auditor-General’s report, which uncovered that the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) established for the Sky Train project lacked an operational license.
Despite this, $2 million was disbursed through GIIF during Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi’s tenure.
The Sky Train initiative, launched in 2017, was touted as a transformative solution for urban transportation in Accra.
However, the project failed to materialize. In July 2023, the Minority in Parliament called for accountability, criticizing the release of public funds without proper approvals or feasibility studies.
While Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi has been released on bail, it is uncertain whether he will face further legal proceedings or additional interrogation as the investigation unfolds.
Baba Alhassan Abass/thenewsbulletin24.com