The Accra High Court has ordered Johnson Asiedu Nketia, the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), to pay GH₵3,000 in costs in an ongoing defamation lawsuit. The case was filed by Professor Edward Dua Agyeman, Chairman of the Audit Service Board, over alleged defamatory remarks made by Mr. Nketia.
The lawsuit stems from comments Asiedu Nketia made during a radio interview in October 2018. He allegedly claimed that Prof. Dua Agyeman had produced fraudulent audit reports in 1983, leading to his dismissal from the Audit Service. Prof. Dua Agyeman insists that these allegations are false and have damaged his reputation.
As a result, the former Auditor-General has taken legal action, seeking GH₵20 million in damages and a full retraction of the statements. According to his legal team, the claims by Mr. Nketia have brought his professional credibility into question, warranting compensation.
The court’s decision to impose a GH₵3,000 cost on Asiedu Nketia signifies the legal weight of the matter. It serves as a warning about the implications of making unverified public statements, especially by individuals in leadership positions.
While the defamation trial is still ongoing, this latest ruling highlights the legal risks involved in public discourse, particularly in the political arena. The case is expected to continue in court, with further developments anticipated in the coming weeks.
This lawsuit underscores the importance of responsible speech and the potential consequences of defamatory statements, especially in Ghana’s heated political climate. The outcome of the case could set a precedent for future defamation suits involving high-profile figures.
Source: https://x.com/ghonetv/status/1892239350055702646?t=Ej0IREH3iB7oS65mqveznA&s=19
