A prominent member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Professor Kwamena Ahwoi, is slated to testify as a defense witness in a high-stakes defamation case involving the party’s chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah.
The lawsuit, filed by former Auditor-General Prof Dua Agyeman, seeks damages of GH¢20 million over alleged defamatory comments made by Asiedu Nketiah.
According to Graphic Online, Asiedu Nketiah was unable to proceed with his defense last Monday due to health issues, but has since submitted a medical excuse in compliance with a court order.
Prof Dua Agyeman’s legal team argues that Asiedu Nketiah’s statements on Neat FM, accusing the plaintiff of generating fake audit reports, were made without reasonable cause and are therefore slanderous and defamatory.
Prof Ahwoi’s testimony is significant as he was a member of the Citizens Vetting Committee (CVC) that interviewed Prof Agyeman in 1982.
The plaintiff seeks declarations that the defendant’s publications were defamatory, an injunction to stop further defamation, a retraction and apology, general damages, and compensatory damages of GH¢20 million.
The case highlights the importance of responsible speech and the need for public figures to be mindful of the impact of their words on others’ reputations.
As the trial unfolds, it remains to be seen how the court will weigh the evidence and determine the outcome.
