Kofi Anan Finally Apologizes To Afenyo-Markin Following Court's Order

James Kofi Annan, the defendant in Mr. Alexander Afenyo-Markin's defamation suit, has issued a public apology and retraction.

Mr. Annan was accused of defaming Mr. Afenyo-Markin with false allegations in this case, which originated in Winneba District Court.

Mr. Afenyo-Markin filed a defamation suit against Mr. Annan on March 20, 2020, after Mr. Annan inferred in a press release that he suspected Mr. Afenyo-Markin of being involved in a malicious scheme to deposit GHC100,000 into his bank account in order to falsely incriminate him.

On August 28, 2020, the Winneba District Court, presided over by His Worship Isaac Oheneba Kuffuor, ruled in favor of Mr. Afenyo-Markin and ruled that Mr. Annan's statement was defamatory.

As part of the court's judgment, Mr. Annan was ordered to publish an unqualified retraction and apology on prominent media platforms, such as JOY TV, ADOM TV, UTV, and relevant online media portals. In addition, he was ordered to pay damages and court costs totaling GH 25,000.

Although Mr. Annan promptly paid damages and costs, he encountered difficulties with the publication of the retraction and apology. One media outlet complied with the court's directive, while others neglected to issue the required statement.

Mr. Alexander Afenyo-Markin subsequently sought legal recourse by filing an application with the Winneba High Court, requesting that Mr. Annan be held in contempt for failing to comply with court orders. The Winneba High Court issued an order requiring Mr. Annan to issue an unqualified apology within eight days on May 17, 2023.

Mr. Annan has now issued a comprehensive apology and retraction in an effort to demonstrate his dedication and reverence for the court's orders. He acknowledges that his previous statement contained no evidence or premise linking Mr. Afenyo-Markin to any malicious scheme. Mr. Annan regrets the distress caused to Mr. Afenyo-Markin's person, reputation, and associates, and he retracts his previous statement unequivocally.