Daniel Marfo Ofori-Atta, the Secretary to the Okyenhene, has initiated a GH₵10 million defamation lawsuit against political activist and former New Patriotic Party (NPP) member, Hopeson Adorye, and Media General, the parent company of TV3 and Onua TV.

The legal action stems from comments made by Adorye during an appearance on Onua TV on July 26, 2024, in which he allegedly made several defamatory statements against Ofori-Atta. Adorye claimed to have inside knowledge of the authors of the controversial “Agyapadeɛ” document, asserting that Ofori-Atta was involved in its creation.

Agyapadeɛ Document Controversy

The “Agyapadeɛ” document has been at the center of controversy, with allegations of widespread corruption and collusion within the Ofori Panin Stool and Okyeman, including alleged involvement in illegal mining activities (galamsey) across Ghana.

Adorye’s Allegations

During the broadcast, Adorye made several allegations against Ofori-Atta, including:

– That Ofori-Atta co-authored the “Agyapadeɛ” document
– That the document detailed plans to monopolize Ghana’s gold deposits
– That Ofori-Atta and others were involved in illegal mining activities

Ofori-Atta’s Response

In the defamation suit, filed on August 14, 2024, Ofori-Atta strongly refuted the allegations, describing them as false and damaging to his reputation and that of the Ofori Panin Fie and Okyeman. He denied any involvement in the creation or dissemination of the “Agyapadeɛ” document, describing it as a “propagandist piece” that had been largely ignored until Adorye brought it into the spotlight.

Legal Remedies

Ofori-Atta is seeking several legal remedies, including:

– A declaration that the statements made by Adorye on Onua TV are defamatory
– GH₵10 million in damages
– A public apology and retraction of the statements
– A permanent injunction to prevent Adorye and Media General from making further defamatory comments

The lawsuit was filed through Ofori-Atta’s lawyer, Bright Okyere-Agyekum.