Skytrain case: Supreme Court throws out Solomon Asamoah’s application to stop trial

The Supreme Court has dismissed an application for interlocutory injunction filed by the first accused in the Skytrain trial, former GIIF CEO, Solomon Asamoah.

Mr. Asamoah had filed a certiorari application seeking to quash the High Court’s decision that dismissed his submission of no case after the prosecution closed its case.

He subsequently asked the Supreme Court to restrain the High Court from continuing the trial pending the determination of the certiorari application.

Justice Senyo Dzamefe, sitting as a single judge, dismissed the injunction application on Monday, August 31, after hearing arguments from both sides last Friday.

In his ruling, Justice Dzamefe held that based on the applicant’s own affidavit, he failed to disclose a serious case to be tried, noting that the issues raised are matters for appeal.

The court also held that the trial judge’s decision to rule on the submission of no case was not in excess of jurisdiction.

It further found that the applicant had not shown irreparable harm that would be suffered if the injunction was not granted.

The High Court has fixed September 23 for the accused persons to open their defence if they wish to do so.

Meanwhile, the second accused, former Board Chairman of GIIF, Prof. Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, has filed a separate application for stay of proceedings, which is scheduled to be heard by the Court of Appeal on September 1.

Solomon Asamoah and Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi are on trial for allegedly paying $2 million for the Skytrain project without board approval.