Finance Minister sues local TV presenter for defamation
Following his allegations against the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta on the Internal Monetary Fund (IMF), the Onua TV Morning Show host, Blessed Godsbrain Smart popularly known as Captain Smart has been sued for defamation.
Mr Ken Ofori-Atta who sued Captain Smart said, the presenter, during one of his shows alleged that he had taken a 10per cent share of the IMF’s $3 billion bailout for Ghana.
The Onua TV host was purported to have said, “Are you aware that Ken Ofori-Atta has taken his 10per cent of the IMF money? For every loan we take he takes 10per cent.”
This, the lawyers of the Finance Minister argued that it portrayed Mr Ofori-Atta as corrupt.
In a writ stating his demands, the Minister requested a “recovery of the sum of Ten Million Ghana Cedis (GH¢10,000,000.00) as general damages including aggravated and/or exemplary damages for defamation for the libel uttered by Defendant.”
Mr Ofori-Atta is also seeking a perpetual injunction restraining Captain Smart, whether by himself, his servants, agents or assigns from repeating similar or other defamatory words against him.
Again, Captain Smart is to apologise and retract the statement made.
Meanwhile, Ghana’s request for a $3 billion bailout over three years to support the debt-ridden nation’s recovery has been approved.
The approval, which resulted in the immediate release of $600m marks the first stage of the transaction between Ghana and IMF.
Source: www.spotonnews.net
