NDC MP for Sekondi, Blay Armah files GHc 10 million defamation suit against Metro TV, others
NDC Member of Parliament for Sekondi, Blay Nyameke Armah, has filed a GHC 10 million defamation lawsuit against Jospong Group of Companies, Lawuratu Musah-Saka, and Ignite Media Group, operators of Metro TV. The lawsuit stems from a discussion on Metro TV’s “Good Morning Ghana” show, where Musah-Saka allegedly falsely claimed Armah was involved in a cocaine trafficking case, calling him a “cocaine kingpin”.
Background of the Lawsuit
Armah claims the statements made by Musah-Saka were false, malicious, defamatory, and derogatory. The alleged defamatory statements were broadcast on Metro TV’s “Good Morning Ghana” show and rebroadcast during the 6:00 pm news bulletin. Furthermore, the statements were published and republished on various digital and social media platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).
Reliefs Sought by Armah
In his lawsuit, Armah is seeking nine reliefs from the General Jurisdiction High Court, including ²:
– Declaration of False, Malicious, and Defamatory Statements: A declaration that the statements made by Musah-Saka were false, malicious, and defamatory.
– Perpetual Injunction: An order restraining the defendants from making or publishing further defamatory statements about Armah.
– Retraction and Apology: An order directing the defendants to retract and apologize to Armah with the same prominence and circulation as the defamatory statement.
– General Damages: GHC 10 million in general damages for the defamatory statement.
– Aggravated Damages: Aggravated damages for reckless and malicious publication.
– Punitive Damages: Punitive damages for the defamatory statement posted on social media platforms.
– Compensatory Damages: Compensatory damages for the defamatory statements posted on social media platforms.
– Legal Costs: Legal costs and any other reliefs the court may deem fit.
Parties Involved
– Blay Nyameke Armah: NDC Member of Parliament for Sekondi.
– Lawuratu Musah-Saka: NPP communications team member.
– Jospong Group of Companies: Defendant in the lawsuit.
– Ignite Media Group: Operators of Metro TV, also a defendant in the lawsuit
