🇬🇭GhanaWest Africa
Accra High Court strikes out Ken Ofori-Atta's GH¢10 million defamation suit against Captain Smart
via GhanaWeb2 min read
An Accra High Court has dismissed a GH¢10 million defamation lawsuit filed by former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta against broadcaster Blessed Godsbrain Smart, also known as Captain Smart. The court, presided over by Justice Francis Obiri, struck out the case on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, citing a lack of prosecution. The decision was made under Order 36 Rule 1 2 b of CI 47, as the plaintiff had repeatedly failed to actively pursue the case. Records showed the case had been adjourned 18 times, but Ofori-Atta appeared in court only three times, with his last appearance on May 20, 2024. The court rejected an application for adjournment from Ofori-Atta's counsel, Bright Okyere-Adjekum. The lawsuit stemmed from alleged defamatory comments made by Captain Smart on a television program, where he claimed Ofori-Atta took a 10% cut from Ghana's dealings with the International Monetary Fund and other loans. Ofori-Atta described these statements as "palpably false, absolutely fabricated… also deliberately calculated to disparage" him. The court emphasized its authority to dismiss or strike out an action for want of prosecution if the plaintiff fails to attend court. No costs were awarded to the defendants.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by GhanaWeb.
Must ReadGhana has a significant presence in global governance, conflict resolution, and international humanitarian law through its diplomats at the United Nations. This legacy, anchored by former Secretary-General Kofi Annan, continues with high-ranking officials like Edem Wosornu. Kofi Annan, who served as the seventh Secretary-General from 1997 to 2006, revitalized the UN, was the chief architect of the Millennium Development Goals, launched the UN Global Compact, and was jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2001. Edem Wosornu is the Director of Operations and Advocacy for the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs OCHA, with over two decades of experience in the UN system. Martha Ama Pobee serves as the Assistant Secretary-General for Africa in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations, and was Ghana’s first female Permanent Representative to the United Nations in 2015. Dr Mohamed Ibn Chambas served as the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel UNOWAS. Hanna Serwaa Tetteh has held several senior UN appointments, including Director-General of the United Nations Office at Nairobi, Special Representative of the Secretary-General to the African Union, Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, and currently serves as the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Libya and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya UNSMIL. Ghana's influence stem
Must ReadGhana's Supreme Court is scheduled to deliver its judgment on July 29, 2026, in a case challenging the delegates system used by political parties. The plaintiffs, former Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng; veteran politician Dr Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe; and former Minister for Lands and Forestry, Christine Amoako-Nuamah, presented their arguments on June 10, 2026. They are seeking a declaration that all registered members of a political party in good standing should be allowed to vote in internal primaries, arguing that the current delegate system for electing flagbearers is undemocratic and inconsistent with Article 55 of the 1992 Constitution. The Deputy Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dr Justice Srem-Sai, confirmed that the state has filed legal arguments supporting the case, which he believes could become a significant constitutional case in Ghana's Fourth Republic, strengthening the country's democratic system. The suit names the National Democratic Congress NDC, the New Patriotic Party NPP, and the Convention People’s Party CPP, with the Electoral Commission and the Attorney General also joined.
Activities at the Out-Patient Department of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital KATH have normalized following the suspension of a four-day industrial action by doctors. Patients were seen returning to the facility on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, as doctors resumed consultations and appointments. Hospital sources confirmed that medical personnel and other health workers had returned to full-time duties, improving service delivery. The strike, initiated by the Komfo Anokye Doctors Association, was in protest of the suspension of the hospital's Chief Executive Officer, Professor Otchere Addai-Mensah. Doctors described the decision as unfair and expressed concerns about the lack of consultation with stakeholders. They had withdrawn emergency and outpatient services, impacting healthcare. The strike was suspended after the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, intervened and engaged the parties involved. Despite returning to work, the doctors maintain that the government must engage stakeholders to resolve the issues that triggered the industrial action, emphasizing that the suspension of the strike does not mean the underlying problems have been resolved.