The High Court in Accra has ordered Oliver Barker-Vormawor to pay GH¢5 million in damages for defaming former National Security Minister Albert Kan Dapaah.
The ruling also imposed a cost of GHC100,000 against the defendant in favour of the plaintiff.
Delivering judgment, Justice (Rev.) Joseph Owusu Adu-Agyeman stated that the court granted all reliefs sought by the plaintiff except the original compensation claim, which was reduced.
“All the reliefs claimed by the Plaintiff are granted, except that the compensation claim of relief B (GH¢10M) is reduced to GH¢5M,” the judge declared.
Lawyers representing Barker-Vormawor had sought to reinstate their Statement of Defence and Witness Statement after they were struck out, but the application was dismissed as inconsistent with procedural rules.
The case stems from allegations made by the activist that officials of the National Security apparatus and government representatives offered him money to abandon his public advocacy.
Kan Dapaah rejected the claims and subsequently initiated legal action, seeking damages for defamation and an apology.
He argued that the allegations of a $1 million bribery attempt were false and damaging to his reputation.
The court’s decision grants the defamation claim and orders the payment of damages and costs.
Kan Dapaah also sought an injunction preventing the defendant from repeating similar allegations in the future, underscoring the legal consequences of unsubstantiated public claims.
The ruling highlights the judiciary’s role in addressing reputational disputes and reinforces the legal obligations surrounding public commentary and defamation.
Source: theheraldghana.com
