Supreme Court to rule on Solomon Asamoah's bid to halt GIIF trial on Aug 31
The former Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund chief is asking the Supreme Court to stop the High Court trial while he challenges the decision requiring him to open his defence.
Supreme Court will rule on Monday, August 31, on an application by former Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF) chief executive Solomon Asamoah seeking to halt his trial in the Sky Train case.
The court is considering an injunction application asking it to restrain the High Court from proceeding with the trial until the Supreme Court determines Asamoah's request to quash the decision ordering him to open his defence.
Asamoah's lawyers, led by Victoria Barth, have also asked the Supreme Court to quash the High Court's variation of his bail conditions.
Deputy Attorney-General Dr Justice Srem-Sai opposed both applications and urged the Supreme Court to dismiss them.
The Supreme Court's decision could determine whether the High Court proceedings can continue while Asamoah pursues his challenge against the order requiring him to begin his defence.
Asamoah is the first accused in the case involving the proposed Sky Train project.
He is standing trial alongside former GIIF board chairman Prof Christopher Ameyaw Akumfi. The two have been charged with offences including stealing, causing financial loss to the state and money laundering.
Both accused persons have pleaded not guilty and are currently on bail.
How the case reached this stage
The High Court ordered the two accused persons to open their defence after dismissing their submission of no case.
The prosecution closed its case after presenting the testimony of three witnesses.
Asamoah subsequently turned to the Supreme Court, challenging the decision that requires him to enter his defence and seeking to stop the High Court proceedings while that challenge is determined.
His lawyers have also challenged the variation of his bail conditions.
The Attorney-General's office, represented by the Deputy Attorney-General, is opposing the applications.
The Supreme Court has constituted Justice Senyo Dzamefe to hear the matter as a single judge.
The ruling is therefore expected on Monday, August 31, when the court will determine whether the injunction sought by Asamoah should be granted.