The trial of former Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF) Chief Executive Officer, Solomon Asamoah, and the Fund's Board Chair, Christopher Akumfi, has been adjourned by the Accra High Court. Counsel for Solomon Asamoah, Victoria Barth, requested the court to suspend proceedings pending a Supreme Court decision on an application seeking to halt the trial. The case was initially set to begin its management conference on October 5, 2026.
According to Victoria Barth, Solomon Asamoah has invoked the Supreme Court's supervisory jurisdiction over the ongoing trial. The application seeks orders of certiorari and prohibition, including an order to prevent the High Court from further hearing the case. Although the Supreme Court previously declined an injunction application by Asamoah, his counsel argued that proceeding with the trial could prejudice her client and render the Supreme Court application ineffective.
The High Court had directed the accused persons to file their witness statements by September 23, 2026, which Solomon Asamoah complied with. Additionally, the defence filed 14 subpoenas on October 2 for persons they intend to cross-examine, subject to the outcome of the Supreme Court proceedings. The defence also informed the court that two additional witnesses, currently unavailable, would require permission to file their witness statements.
Counsel for Christopher Akumfi, Yaw Acheampong Boafo, supported the submissions made by Victoria Barth, with no further additions. The prosecution, led by Sefakor Batse, informed the court that it had received the witness statement of Christopher Akumfi but was yet to receive Solomon Asamoah's. The state had only recently been informed about the additional processes filed by the defence.
Although the prosecution preferred to proceed with the case management conference, they left the matter to the court's discretion. Sefakor Batse reminded the court that filing an application at the Supreme Court does not automatically stay proceedings at the High Court. The court subsequently adjourned the case to October 19, 2026.
The Supreme Court is expected to hear the application for prohibition on October 13, 2026. The adjournment allows the court to consider the potential implications of the Supreme Court's decision on the trial. Solomon Asamoah's counsel argued that proceeding with the trial before the Supreme Court determines the matter could prejudice her client.
The case involves Solomon Asamoah and Christopher Akumfi, who are facing trial for alleged offences related to their roles at the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund. The trial's progression will depend on the outcome of the Supreme Court's decision on Solomon Asamoah's application.
Key points
- The trial of former GIIF CEO Solomon Asamoah and Board Chair Christopher Akumfi has been adjourned to October 19, 2026.
- The adjournment follows an application by Solomon Asamoah to the Supreme Court seeking to halt the trial.
- The Supreme Court is expected to hear the application for prohibition on October 13, 2026.
