Prof. Ameyaw‑Akumfi Pleads Not Guilty, Granted ₵10 Million Bail in $2M Sky Train Case

Accra, Ghana –
Prof. Kwame Ameyaw‑Akumfi, the former Minister for Railways Development, was this morning arraigned at the High Court in Accra on allegations of causing a $2 million loss to the state through irregularities in the Sky Train Public‑Private Partnership (PPP) project.

During proceedings, the 77‑year‑old academic maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty to the two‑count charge brought by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP). The charge sheet alleges that between 2019 and 2021, Prof. Ameyaw‑Akumfi approved payments totaling $2 million for consultancy services that were either not rendered or improperly procured.

“I vehemently deny any wrongdoing. My record in public service is one of integrity and transparency,” the former minister told Justice Afia Serwah Asare‑Brew.

Bail Conditions

After hearing submissions from both the prosecution and defense, the court granted Prof. Ameyaw‑Akumfi bail in the sum of ₵10 million, to be covered by two sureties. The sureties must each be Ghanaian citizens with property valued at no less than ₵5 million, and both must submit to the court before the accused is released.

Justice Asare‑Brew also imposed additional conditions:

• Surrender of all passports and travel documents

• Reporting to the nearest police station every Monday and Friday

• Prohibition from speaking to prosecution witnesses about the case

Prosecution’s Case

The OSP alleges that the Sky Train PPP contract was awarded without competitive tendering and that the consultancy agreement was backdated. Prosecutors argue that payments were made to a foreign firm for feasibility and design work that was never completed, thereby causing financial loss to the state.

Defense Response

Led by senior counsel Mr. Emmanuel Obeng, the defense contends that all payments were made in good faith on the instructions of the Cabinet and the Attorney‑General’s Department, and that Prof. Ameyaw‑Akumfi had no personal interest in the transactions. The defense further argues that any procedural lapses, if they occurred, were administrative in nature and not criminal.

Next Steps

Justice Asare‑Brew adjourned the matter to July 15, 2025, for the prosecution to file and serve witness statements and for both parties to exchange lists of documents. Observers note that the case could set important precedents on the accountability of ministers in PPP agreements.