A prominent member of the Movement for Change and a former member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Hopeson Yaovi Adorye, has been hit with a GH¢10 million defamation lawsuit.
The suit stems from Adorye’s public statements and amplification of the controversial ‘Agyapadie’ document in the media.
Mr. Daniel Marfo Ofori-Atta, the plaintiff who serves as the Akyem Abuakwa State Secretary, has taken legal action against Adorye for allegedly identifying him as the author and technical director of the ‘Agyapadie’ document.
Hopeson Adorye has claimed on several media platforms that the document outlines a plan to annex Ghana’s assets for the benefit of the Ofori-Atta family and the Akyem people.
Media General, a leading media conglomerate in Ghana that operates platforms like Onua TV and Onua FM, has also been named the second defendant in the lawsuit.
The plaintiff argues that Media General has a responsibility to ensure that its platforms are not used to defame or infringe upon the rights of individuals.
The defamation suit seeks general damages amounting to GH¢10 million, including aggravated and exemplary damages for the harm caused by Adorye’s statements.
Additionally, the lawsuit demands a public apology and a retraction of the defamatory remarks.
The legal complaint is rooted in Adorye’s appearance as a panellist on the ‘Onua Maakye’ program, aired on Onua TV on July 26, 2024.
During the program, Adorye made several controversial remarks about the ‘Agyapadie’ document, suggesting that it was crafted by a specific family to monopolize Ghana’s wealth for their future generations.
Hopeson Adorye is quoted as saying, “Look, have you seen this document? It is called Agyapadie. Do you see it? … It is alleged that a particular family wrote this document (Agyapadie) on how they can amass the wealth and property of Ghana for themselves, their sons, and generations to come.”
He further implied that the Ofori-Atta family and the Akyem people would be ‘the movers and shakers of Ghana,’ controlling significant economic and judicial power in the country.
Mr. Daniel Marfo Ofori-Atta, the plaintiff, vehemently denies any involvement in the creation or endorsement of the ‘Agyapadie’ document.
He asserts that the document is a deliberate fabrication, designed to mislead the public and tarnish the reputation of the Ofori-Atta family and the entire Okyeman.
According to the lawsuit, the document falsely associates the plaintiff with a scheme to misappropriate national assets and manipulate state institutions for personal gain.
The plaintiff maintains that the document is a product of ‘devious minds’ and has caused significant harm to his reputation and that of the Ofori Panin Fie and Okyeman.
The lawsuit further states that Adorye’s comments have led to a widespread hate campaign against the plaintiff, the Ofori Panin Fie, and the entire Okyeman community.
The plaintiff argues that the defamatory remarks have caused considerable distress and embarrassment, and have fueled public resentment.
In addition to monetary compensation, the lawsuit seeks a perpetual injunction to prevent Hopeson Adorye and Media General from making or disseminating similar defamatory statements in the future.