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Minister of National Security, Kan Dapaah, has initiated legal proceedings against Oliver Barker-Vormawor, the convener of the #FixTheCountry Movement, alleging defamation.
This follows Barker-Vormawor’s claims that government officials, including those from National Security, attempted to bribe him during a 2021 meeting.
In his lawsuit, Minister Kan Dapaah seeks redress for the defamatory statements made by Barker-Vormawor. The suit requests that the court declare Barker-Vormawor’s statements as defamatory and also demands the recovery of GHC 10 million as General Damages, including Aggravated and/or Exemplary Damages for Defamation related to the defendant’s words.
Barker-Vormawor’s allegations came to light after he and others were released by the police following their arrest on September 22, 2023, for organizing a protest in Accra that violated a police restraining order.
This legal action signifies a significant development in the ongoing tension between the government and the #FixTheCountry Movement, which advocates for improved governance and accountability in Ghana.
Also Read: Oliver Barker-Vormawor Takes Legal Action Against Minister Kan-Dapaah
Barker-Vormawor made these allegations shortly after his release, asserting that government officials, including National Security representatives, had approached him in 2021 with an offer of money to discourage his activism.
Minister Kan Dapaah’s decision to pursue legal action underscores the government’s commitment to addressing these allegations and defending its reputation. The substantial demand of GHC 10 million in damages highlights the seriousness of the defamation claims.
This lawsuit is likely to draw significant attention and scrutiny, as it touches on broader issues of free speech, government accountability, and the role of civic movements in Ghana’s political landscape. The outcome may set a precedent for future defamation cases involving public figures and activists, shaping how political activism and criticism are treated in Ghana.
