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Ken Ofori-Atta, Ghana’s Minister of Finance, has initiated a defamation lawsuit against Blessed Godsbrain Smart, a popular radio and television presenter known as Captain Smart of Media General. Captain Smart hosts the program “Maakye with Captain Smart” on Onua TV and Onua FM.
On Friday, June 2, 2023, Mr. Ofori-Atta filed a writ at the High Court in Accra, seeking various remedies. These include the recovery of Ten Million Ghana Cedis (GH¢10,000,000.00) as general damages, including aggravated and exemplary damages, for the defamatory statements made by the defendant. Additionally, Mr. Ofori-Atta is requesting an apology and retraction of the alleged defamatory remarks made by Captain Smart.
During one of his shows, Captain Smart reportedly accused Mr. Ofori-Atta of taking a 10% share of the International Monetary Fund’s $3 billion bailout for Ghana. Consequently, Mr. Ofori-Atta seeks a declaration that Captain Smart’s words were defamatory.
The alleged statements made by Captain Smart on May 22, 2023, were: “Are you aware that Ken Ofori Atta has taken his 10% of the IMF money?” and “Every loan we take he takes 10%.”
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Moreover, Mr. Ofori-Atta is requesting a perpetual injunction to prevent the defendant, his employees, agents, or representatives from making similar or other defamatory statements against him.
In the writ, Mr. Ofori-Atta argues that Captain Smart’s statements were not only false and fabricated but also intended to demean and damage his reputation. The words were malicious and implied that Mr. Ofori-Atta is corrupt, embezzles public funds, and abuses his position. Consequently, Mr. Ofori-Atta claims to have suffered significant harm to his credit, character, and reputation, resulting in public scandal, ridicule, distress, and embarrassment.
