Good News For Wontumi As Supreme Court Dismisses Ekwow’s $10 Million Defamation Suit Against Him

The Supreme Court of Ghana has dismissed an appeal filed by Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, the Special Envoy for Reparations, in his defamation case against Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman.

Spio-Garbrah, a former Minister of Trade and Industry, had demanded $10 million in damages from Wontumi, Wontumi TV and Wontumi Radio over remarks he alleged had damaged his reputation.

According to Spio-Garbrah, Wontumi allegedly described him as a thief during political discussions. He maintained that the accusation was defamatory and had tarnished his public image, prompting him to seek legal redress.

The case was first brought before the Kumasi High Court, which dismissed the lawsuit and ordered Spio-Garbrah to pay GH¢150,000 in legal costs. Dissatisfied with the ruling, the former minister proceeded to challenge the decision at the Supreme Court.

After considering the appeal, a five-member panel of Supreme Court justices unanimously ruled against Spio-Garbrah, upholding the outcome of the legal challenge and leaving the lower court’s decision in place.

Wontumi, however, maintained that he did not intend to defame the former minister. He explained that his remarks were based on his understanding of comments made by Inusah Fuseini, the former Member of Parliament for Tamale Central.

The Supreme Court’s ruling marks a significant development in the dispute, bringing Spio-Garbrah’s appeal to an end and highlighting the legal consequences that can arise from statements made during political debates.

https://x.com/gh_first_always/status/2113141459352240271?s=20