Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa Files Defamation Suit Against NPP Communicator and Media General

Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has officially instituted a defamation lawsuit against Benjamin Gyewu-Appiah, a communicator for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), and media conglomerate Media General. The suit stems from controversial remarks broadcast on Onua FM, a subsidiary of Media General, concerning the state-funded evacuation of Ghanaian citizens from South Africa. The legal action underlines the Minister's resolve to protect his professional integrity and address allegations regarding public expenditure. 

​The legal dispute originated during a broadcast on Onua FM's morning show, Yen Nsempa, where Gyewu-Appiah made allegations questioning the financial management of the emergency evacuation operation. During the show, the NPP communicator alleged financial wrongdoing on the part of the Minister, asserting that funds designated for chartering evacuation flights were misappropriated. He further introduced personal claims, alleging that stolen public funds were funneled to Ghanaian musician Fantana, assertions that sparked widespread public discourse. 

​In response to the broadcast, legal representatives for Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa initiated formal proceedings, characterizing the comments as unfounded, malicious, and damaging to his national and international standing. The defamation suit names both Gyewu-Appiah for originating the statement and Media General as the publishing entity responsible for airing the unverified claims across its platform. The suit seeks retraction, a formal apology, and monetary damages for reputational damage. 

​Following the initiation of legal steps, Onua FM and Media General issued an official retraction and apology, distancing the media network from the comments expressed by the political panelist. The development occurs against the backdrop of ongoing political debates surrounding the logistics and transparency of the repatriation effort, which successfully brought home nearly 2,000 Ghanaians facing safety concerns in South Africa. The court is expected to hear the matter in due course.  

@Volta Today