Ghana’s Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has initiated legal proceedings against Frederick Kaningen, an organizer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Nadowli-Kaleo constituency, accusing him of defaming his character and damaging his reputation.
The case, which was filed at the High Court in Wa, stems from allegations made by Kaningen during a press conference near the NDC office in Nadowli.
Kaningen purportedly accused Bagbin of attempting to impose his chosen candidate for the District Chief Executive (DCE) position, bypassing the established party procedures.
He further claimed that Bagbin’s actions were causing unrest and division within the Nadowli-Kaleo constituency.
Bagbin has vehemently denied these accusations, asserting that they were not only false but also intended to undermine his credibility and portray him as undemocratic.
The Speaker also emphasized that these defamatory statements were broadcast on multiple media platforms, including major outlets like Joy News, Citi News, and local radio stations in the Upper West Region.
The 71-year-old Speaker, a seasoned lawyer with more than 40 years of experience, stated that these baseless claims have led to significant distress among his friends, family, and party supporters.
He is seeking legal redress, requesting the court to declare the statements defamatory and to compel Kaningen to publicly apologize.
The apology, according to Bagbin’s legal team, should take place at the same location where the initial accusations were made and should be published in the media.
Bagbin is also demanding financial compensation for the harm caused by the false statements, and a legal order barring Kaningen from making similar remarks in the future.
His legal representatives, led by renowned lawyer Thaddeus Sory, have argued that the accusations were malicious and intended solely to damage the Speaker’s reputation.
