Money can be traced in GIIF 'Sky Train' case - Kow Essuman fires back at Deputy AG

Kow Abaka Essuman, former Legal Advisor to former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, pushed back strongly against claims by the Deputy Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr Justice Srem Sai, that funds involved in the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF) "Sky Train" case cannot be found. Essuman argued that the assertion that "the money cannot be found" does not reflect the documentary record before the court. He insisted that audited financial statements, board minutes, and supporting records clearly trace how the funds were handled within the GIIF structure.

Essuman pointed to signed-off audited accounts showing the transactions in question, as well as evidence that GIIF received its shares within the consortium arrangement. He said these details are captured in formal governance documents and financial statements that have been tendered in evidence. The Deputy AG announced that the prosecution had closed its case and referenced allegations that the former CEO and Board Chairman of GIIF approved a US$2 million payment to a foreign company without the necessary approvals.

The accused persons have been granted time to file a submission of no case, which will determine whether the trial proceeds or the accused are discharged. Essuman maintained that the evidence already on record supports the defence position that the funds are traceable and properly accounted for. He said the outcome of the no-case submission will be a key test of how the facts are interpreted judicially.