Prof. Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, the former Chairman of the Public Procurement Authority Board, has been released from detention by the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB). His release follows his detention in connection with an ongoing investigation into financial matters during his tenure as the Board Chairman of the Ghana Infrastructural Investment Fund (GIIF).
The development was confirmed by his legal counsel, Ken Kuranchie.According to Kuranchie, Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi was at home on Sunday morning when a group of men in three pickup trucks arrived and informed him that he was needed at the NIB. He voluntarily followed them to the NIB head office and was later taken to the NIB offices in Kawukudi, Accra.Kuranchie further clarified that the investigation revolves around financial matters during Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi’s time as GIIF board chairman, specifically certain approvals made during that period.
Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi’s detention followed concerns raised in a 2021 Auditor-General’s report, which revealed that the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) set up for the Sky Train project did not have an operational license, yet $2M was disbursed through GIIF under his leadership.
The project, initially announced in 2017, was expected to transform urban transport in Accra, but it never materialized. In July 2023, the Minority in Parliament demanded accountability, questioning why public funds were released without necessary approvals or feasibility studies.
While Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi has regained his freedom, it remains unclear whether he will face further legal action or additional questioning.
