The General Jurisdiction High Court handling the defamation suit brought by Gabby Otchere-Darko, against former environment minister, Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, witnessed the discharge of Philip Edem Kutsienyo, the plaintiff’s first witness.
Following the completion of cross-examination by Agbesi Dzakpasu, the lawyer representing the defendant, the court adjourned the case to May 17, 2024.
This adjournment marks the next phase, where Gabby Otchere-Darko will present his second witness.
Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko is seeking GH₵10 million in general damages, including aggravated and/or exemplary damages, along with an apology and retraction of statements made by Professor Frimpong-Boateng against him.
Additionally, the leading member of the ruling New Patriotic Party also is requesting a perpetual injunction to restrain Frimpong-Boateng from making further defamatory remarks against him.
Professor Frimpong-Boateng’s leaked report dated March 19, 2021, accused several individuals belonging to the government and the NPP, including Otchere-Darko, of contributing to the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining’s inefficiency in combating illegal mining in Ghana between January 2017 and January 2021.
Frimpong-Boateng’s report contained statements referring to Otchere-Darko defending a company engaged in environmental destruction and implicating him in illegal mining activities.
Otchere-Darko’s legal team argues that Frimpong-Boateng’s report sensationalized a telephone conversation between the two and falsely portrayed Otchere-Darko’s involvement in illegal activities.
They claim that Frimpong-Boateng’s statements have led to online insults and reputational damage to Otchere-Darko hence the need to seek redress through legal action.
Source: www.ghanaweb.com
