The Supreme Court dismissed the defamation appeal filed by Spio-Garbrah against Wontumi.
Bernard Antwi‑Boasiako also known as Chairman Wontumi, has won a US$10 million defamation case against Ekwow Spio‑Garbrah at the Supreme Court of Ghana.
Spio-Garbrah filed the case over comments Wontumi reportedly made on his media outlets (notably a TV/radio station under Wontumi Multimedia) in 2020, calling him a “thief.”
Spio-Garbrah valued the damage to his reputation at over US$10 million and sought that amount in damages.
Chairman Wontumi, however, argued that his remarks were a “fair comment” or interpretation of a statement originally made by another politician, not a deliberate malicious attack.
The decision essentially clears Chairman Wontumi of the accusations that his words amounted to defamation.
This reinforces the risk for public figures, especially politicians, in using strong language on air or in public; courts may still scrutinize whether statements were made with the requisite malice.
The case underlines the importance of careful moderation of commentary on media platforms, especially when allegations implicate other public figures’ integrity or reputation.
Politically, the verdict may strengthen Wontumi’s standing and credibility within the NPP, given that the courts have now vindicated him in this high-profile defamation case.
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