The High Court in Accra has issued a stern warning to Prof. Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, former Board Chairman of the Ghana Infrastructure and Investment Fund (GIIF), over his inability to secure legal representation for the trial.
The court, presided over by Justice Audrey Kocuvi-Tay, warned that if Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi fails to appear with a lawyer by Wednesday, the trial will proceed without him.
The warning came after Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi’s lawyers failed to appear in court, citing that his new lawyer, Yaw Boafo Esquire, was unable to register with the court in time.
“I’m giving you my last warning. If by Wednesday you don’t have a lawyer, I will proceed with the trial,” Justice Kocuvi-Tay said.
The court had previously set a timetable for the trial, which has been delayed due to Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi’s inability to secure legal representation.
The prosecution, led by Mrs. Sefakor Batse, a Chief State Attorney, expressed frustration over the delay, stating that their first witness was present in court and ready to testify.
“We are anticipating making some progress and our first witness is in court,” Mrs. Batse said.
The court also noted that Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi’s actions were delaying the commencement of the trial.
“This is not good enough, and we should have started today’s proceedings. Again, you’re drawing me back… It doesn’t show respect to the court,” Justice Kocuvi-Tay said.
Prior to being given the last warning, Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi had told the court that his new lawyer, who was coming from Kumasi, would not be able to appear in court that day.
“My lady, I have just acquired a fresh lawyer who is going to go through the formalities with the registry. He is arriving in Accra this morning. He tells me he is arriving this morning from Kumasi, Lawyer Yaw Boafo. But he won’t be able to appear because he hasn’t registered with the court,” he said.
The first accused person, Mr Solomon Asamoah and his lawyers led by Mrs Victoria Barth were present.
Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi is standing trial together with former Chief Executive of GIIF, Solomon Asamoah, over a $2 million sky train case. They have both pleaded not guilty and are on bail.
The case has been adjourned to Wednesday, October 29, 2025, for the trial to begin.
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