Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) has initiated legal action against investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni, seeking GHS 21 million in damages for defamation.Authentic Ghanaian cuisine recipes
The suit stems from claims made by Manasseh in his book where he labeled SML’s contract with the Government of Ghana (GOG) and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) as “the SML scandal.”
In the writ of summons, SML outlines several particulars of malice, accusing Manasseh of knowingly misrepresenting facts about the contract. The plaintiff asserts that Manasseh, as an educated journalist, should have been aware that the GRA and GOG had the sole responsibility for ensuring legal compliance in the procurement process.
Despite this knowledge, Manasseh chose to label the contract as a scandal, thus depriving the public of the opportunity to form independent and unbiased opinions regarding SML’s business. SML contends that such expressions in Manasseh’s book have misinformed the public and portrayed the company as dishonest.Authentic Ghanaian cuisine recipes
SML further claims that Manasseh’s false reportage on their contract with GOG and GRA has led to public backlash and damaged the company’s reputation. This negative public reaction has resulted in distrust towards SML’s operations in the petroleum and mining sectors.
The lawsuit alleges that the backlash from the public, spurred by Chapter 28 of Manasseh’s book, has adversely impacted SML’s operations, causing the company to lose potential contracts from Tanzania, Kenya, and Ivory Coast.
As a result of these alleged defamatory actions, SML is seeking general damages of GHS 1,000,000 for defamation, and exemplary damages of GHS 20,000,000 for Manasseh’s malicious reporting. Additionally, SML is requesting a perpetual injunction to restrain Manasseh from publishing any further defamatory material about the company, a retraction of Chapter 28 of his book, and an apology.
