Defamation Drama Unfolds: Ken Ofori-Atta Targets Media General in High-Stakes Legal Battle with Captain Smart

Ken Ofori-Atta, the Minister for Finance, has taken legal action against Media General Ghana Ltd, the operator of Onua TV and Onua FM, and Blessed Godsbrain Smart (aka Captain Smart), the host of the show Maakye with Captain Smart, for defamation. Ofori-Atta claims that Media General allowed and possibly encouraged Captain Smart to use their platform to defame him regarding the recently approved $3 billion credit facility from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) secured by Ghana.

In his statement, Ofori-Atta requests GHC10 million in general damages, including aggravated and exemplary damages, for the defamation committed by both defendants. The lawsuit states that Captain Smart made false and fabricated statements implying corruption and misappropriation of public funds on his show, which harmed Ofori-Atta's reputation. Despite a demand for an apology and retraction, Captain Smart has failed to comply. Ofori-Atta seeks a declaration that the statements were defamatory, monetary compensation, an apology and retraction, a restraining order against further defamatory statements, and costs incurred during the legal proceedings.

Ken Ofori-Atta has been actively involved in negotiating Ghana's IMF support since July 1, 2022, due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The negotiations led by Ofori-Atta resulted in a staff-level agreement in December 2022 and board-level approval in May 2023.

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