Minority Leader in Parliament and Member of Parliament (MP) for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo-Markin has commenced a defamation action at the High Court in Accra against the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Samuel Adu Gyamfi (popularly known as Sammy Gyamfi), and Multimedia Group Limited, operators of Joy News and Joy 99.7 FM.
The writ of summons and statement of claim, issued on 24 August 2026 by his lawyer F. Paa Kwesi Abaidoo of Dehyena Chambers, seek general, aggravated and exemplary damages for libel, a full retraction and public apology, a perpetual injunction, and costs of GH¢15 million, among other reliefs.
Afenyo-Markin has issued a similar writ against the CEO of NEIP, Eric Adjei and Peace FM for libel at the Achimota Court. Eric Adjei had made similar claims as Sammy Gyamfi’s on Peace FM’s Morning Show, Kokrokoo on Friday, 21 August, 2026.
According to the statement of claim, the action arises from comments made by Gyamfi during the Saturday, 22 August 2026 edition of the Newsfile programme hosted by Samson Lardy Anyenini. The programme was broadcast on radio, television and social media platforms.
Afenyo-Markin, a four-term Member of Parliament, former Majority Leader and Third Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, states that Gyamfi, appearing as a discussant, described him as an “extortionist.”
The plaintiff avers that Gyamfi justified the description by asserting it was true, challenged him to sue, and suggested that NPP supporters were ignorant of the plaintiff’s activities.
The claim reproduces excerpts of the alleged remarks, including Gyamfi’s assertion that he had never previously used the word “extortion” against any critic and his confirmation, when asked by the host, that he stood by the description.
The plaintiff further alleges that the host offered a form of apology but that Gyamfi himself did not retract the statements.
Afenyo-Markin contends that the words were understood to mean he is an extortionist who uses his political position to exert improper pressure on public institutions, engages in improper negotiations, and lacks the honesty and integrity expected of a legal practitioner and public office holder.
He denies the allegations entirely and asserts they were published maliciously.
The statement of claim holds Multimedia Group Limited jointly and severally liable on the ground that it broadcast the remarks through its Newsfile programme and failed to stop the continued dissemination despite the nature of the statements.
The plaintiff seeks orders directing the defendants to publish a full, unconditional retraction and apology with the same prominence as the original broadcast, including on JoyNews and relevant social-media platforms, together with an injunction restraining further publication of the same or similar words.
The writ commands the defendants to enter appearance within eight days of service. Service is to be directed by the plaintiff. Suit number and formal issue details remain to be completed on the face of the writ.
The case is pending before the High Court of Justice, General Jurisdiction, Accra.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
