Former minerals commission CEO sues Journalist Paul Adom-Otchere for defamation

Dr. Tony Aubynn, former Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission and a traditional leader in the Western Region, has filed a defamation lawsuit against journalist Paul Adom-Otchere and Ignite Media Group, owners of Good Evening Ghana.

The civil suit, filed on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at the High Court in Accra, alleges that remarks made by Mr. Adom-Otchere on his program were intended to tarnish Dr. Aubynn’s reputation in the eyes of the public. Dr. Aubynn, currently the Abakoma-Akyempimhene of the Damang-Wassa Division of the Wassa Fiase Traditional Council, claims the comments have subjected him to public ridicule and contempt.

Demands from the Plaintiff

Dr. Aubynn is seeking the following reliefs from the court:

1. Retraction and Apology: A directive for Adom-Otchere to issue a retraction and an unqualified apology through the same media platforms used to air the alleged defamatory remarks.
2. Injunction: An order restraining the defendants and their assigns from making further defamatory publications about him.
3. Damages:
   • General damages of GHS 30 million for portraying him as “dishonest, selfish, unpatriotic, corrupt, dishonourable, and unscrupulous.”
   • Punitive and exemplary damages amounting to GHS 10 million.

Allegations of Malice

In his statement of claim, Dr. Aubynn accused the defendants of acting with malice by deliberately publishing and widely circulating false statements without verifying their accuracy. He argued that the defendants failed to contact him to confirm whether the statements attributed to him were accurate.

“The defendants knowingly and recklessly made false claims to whip up negative public sentiments against me,” Dr. Aubynn stated.

He further alleged that Mr. Adom-Otchere misrepresented remarks made by another individual during a broadcast, attributing them to him with the intent of damaging his reputation.

Grounds for Exemplary Damages

Dr. Aubynn provided details to support his request for exemplary damages, citing:

• The defendants’ knowledge that the allegations were false and defamatory.
• Their deliberate actions to amplify the impact of the defamatory statements by enabling their widespread circulation.
• The failure of the defendants, particularly Adom-Otchere as an experienced journalist, to exercise professional diligence in verifying the claims.

The case underscores ongoing tensions between public figures and the media over accountability and responsible reporting. While the court considers the merits of Dr. Aubynn’s claims, the matter has reignited discussions about journalistic ethics and the responsibility of media practitioners to safeguard reputations while reporting on public issues.