Court slaps GH¢300k fine on Owusu Bempah, Despite Group in Ibrahim Mahama’s defamation suit

An Accra High Court has slapped a GH¢300,000 fine on Ernest Owusu Bempah, Communications Director of Ghana Gas Company Limited and Despite Group of Companies in a defamation suit.

The Court presided over by Justice Georgina Mensah Datsa ruled that the comments of the outspoken politician were defamatory used on UTV which is a platform of Despite Group.

Business Mogul, Ibrahim Mahama had sued both GH¢2 million for the defamatory comments but judge awarded GH¢300,000 instead and directed the defendants to publish a retraction and apology in the Daily Graphic and on the same platform those defamatory words were used against the plaintiff.

They have also been directed to remove the said defamatory material about the plaintiffs from all archives.

The judge also warned communicators who go on media platforms to malign innocent people to desist from such acts because that will not be tolerated. “Ernest Owusu Bempah by publishing those words directed at the person of Ibrahim Mahama, he has defamed him. I shall proceed to grant judgment in favour of the Plaintiff, Ibrahim Mahama. As we move towards next year’s election, we need to be guided.” Justice Georgina Datsa advised

The CEO of Engineers and Planners, Ibrahim Mahama, last year sued the Communications Director of the Ghana National Gas Company, Ernest Owusu Bempah, along with the Despite Group of Companies – owners of private TV station UTV last year for defamation.

Mr Ibrahim Mahama was represented in court throughout the proceedings by his Aide Rafik Mahama. The judge cited his absence as reason for not awarding the full amount of GH¢2 million against the defendants but she concluded by saying she understands the busy schedule of the plaintiff hence his absence in court.

The legal team of Mr Ibrahim Mahama was led by Lawyer Reindorf Twumasi Ankrah and supported by Gloria Amoah and Makafui Dzimabi.