PHOTO: Nana Ama Agyarko
In what’s shaping up to be one of the most high-profile legal battles in Ghana’s political and media landscape, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, affectionately known as NAPO, has filed defamation charges against Nana Ama Agyarko, a prominent newscaster and sit-in host on Accra FM’s Citizen Show.
Dr. Prempeh, who serves as the running mate to Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia in the 2024 elections, is seeking an eye-watering Twenty Million Ghana Cedis (GHS 20,000,000) in punitive damages. The defamation suit also includes legal costs and any further relief the court may deem fit.
The claim stems from accusations made by Agyarko on Accra FM, where she allegedly made defamatory remarks against Dr. Prempeh, tarnishing his reputation in a broadcast widely heard by the people of Accra and beyond. Accra FM, owned by the first defendant, has a significant broadcasting radius of 45 kilometres, making the potential reach of Agyarko’s statements enormous, especially as they are also streamed live on YouTube and social media.
A Career Steeped in Service
Dr. Prempeh’s legal action shines a spotlight on his illustrious career, both in the medical field and in public service. A qualified medical surgeon, NAPO has served in various high-ranking roles, including as Ghana’s Minister for Education from 2017 to 2021, and as the Minister for Energy from 2021 to 2024.
Furthermore, Dr. Prempeh represented the good people of Manhyia South in the Ashanti Region as a Member of Parliament from 2008 to 2024, earning him widespread recognition across Ghana and globally.
He is a member of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of the UK and the Ghana Medical Association. Dr. Prempeh is also an alumnus of prestigious institutions such as Harvard University, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, and Prempeh College.
Additionally, his outstanding contributions to governance and development have earned him several honorary degrees, including an Honourary Doctor of Educational Leadership from the University of Cape Coast, and the “Office of Head of Civil Service Award” in 2022, further cementing his reputation as a well-respected leader.
The Alleged Defamation
According to Dr. Prempeh’s legal team, the defamatory remarks were made during Agyarko’s segment on The Citizen Show. This popular Accra FM program airs from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm on weekdays. The content broadcast reached an audience not only in Accra but also on social media platforms such as Facebook and YouTube, amplifying the impact of the statements.
Dr. Prempeh alleges that the false claims about his character and actions, presented without basis, have severely damaged his reputation, both as a public servant and as a person with a distinguished career in medicine and education. He claims that these allegations were not only false but were made with malicious intent to tarnish his public image.
In his affidavit, Dr. Prempeh details his many years of service to Ghana, highlighting his good standing in both the legislative and executive arms of government. He argues that the defamatory statements were part of a broader effort to undermine his credibility as he gears up for his role in the 2024 elections.
Agyarko and Accra FM Under Fire
Nana Ama Agyarko, a media personality who has gained prominence as a host on The Citizen Show, has not yet publicly responded to the defamation suit. However, the legal proceedings could potentially set a precedent for media conduct in Ghana, particularly with regard to the responsibilities of broadcasters and the consequences of making defamatory statements.
Accra FM, as the first defendant, also faces scrutiny, with Dr. Prempeh’s legal team arguing that the media house bears responsibility for the content aired on its platform. As a station with a wide broadcast reach, Accra FM has the potential to affect public perception on a large scale, making it accountable for any harmful content it broadcasts.
A Deepening Rift in the NPP
This lawsuit also highlights the growing tensions within the New Patriotic Party (NPP), as Dr. Prempeh, who has long been a key figure within the party, takes legal action against a media personality closely associated with the party’s media discourse. The legal fight could further fuel the political discourse leading up to the 2024 elections, with the implications of this case resonating both within political circles and among the general public.
As the legal battle progresses, all eyes will be on how the courts handle this defamation case and whether it will have lasting repercussions on the media’s role in Ghanaian politics.
Dr. Prempeh’s legal team has vowed to fight vigorously for justice, demanding full accountability for the damage caused by the alleged defamation. The case is poised to be a landmark moment in Ghana’s media and political landscape, and it promises to have wide-reaching consequences for freedom of speech and the responsibility of the media in the country.
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