A Cape Coast High Court has ruled in favor of Assin South MP, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, in a defamation suit against two individuals who made false claims about him on a WhatsApp group.
Why it matters
The judgment underscores growing legal accountability for political speech on social media in Ghana, especially platforms like WhatsApp, which play a major role in grassroots political discourse.
Catch up quick:
- In March 2024, Stephen Cobbah (aka Adepa) and Yaw Korankye (aka Ampong) posted defamatory comments about Rev. Fordjour on a WhatsApp group called “Assinman Politics Gh.”
- Rev. Fordjour sued, seeking GHS 1 million in damages, a retraction, and a perpetual injunction.
What the court said:
- The court declared the statements defamatory.
- It awarded GHS 700,000 in damages and GHS 20,000 in costs against each defendant.
- It issued a perpetual injunction barring further defamatory posts.
- The defendants must issue retractions and written apologies on the same platforms where the defamatory statements were shared.
Zoom out
This case is a notable example of how digital platforms—often seen as informal or unregulated—are increasingly subject to legal scrutiny in Ghana’s political landscape.
Source: Citinews
