Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta Files Defamation Lawsuit Against Captain Smart/Onua TV

The Finance Minister of Ghana Ken Ofori-Atta has taken legal action against Onua TV Morning Show Host, Blessed Godsbrain Smart, popularly known as "Captain Smart," alleging defamation. The Minister claims that he was defamed when Captain Smart accused him on May 22, 2023, of personally taking a 10 percent share of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) economic bailout obtained by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.

In addition to seeking a sum of Ten Million Ghana Cedis as General Damages, which includes aggravated and/or Exemplary Damages for Defamation caused by the libelous statements made by the Defendant, the Minister is also requesting an apology and retraction of the defamatory words.

It is worth noting that last year, Broadcaster and Board Chairman of the Ghana Airport Company, Paul Adom-Otchere, also filed a defamation lawsuit against Captain Smart and Media General Ghana Limited.
Among other claims, Adom-Otchere is seeking compensation of GH¢10 million for the damage caused to his reputation as a result of comments made by Captain Smart on Onua FM/TV. The host of Good Evening Ghana on Metro TV alleges that the plaintiff, on August 26, 2022, made defamatory remarks against him and accused him of being a corrupt journalist during Onua FM/TV's "Onua Maakye" show.