The Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta has sued host of Onua TV’s Morning Show, Blessed Godsbrain Smart popularly known as Captain Smart for defamation.
According to Mr. Ofori-Atta, Captain Smart during one of his shows alleged that he had taken a 10% share of the International Money Fund (IMF)’s $3 billion bailout for Ghana.
The Onua TV host is purported to have said, “Are you aware that Ken Ofori-Atta has taken his 10% of the IMF money? [For] Every loan we take he takes 10%”.
This, the lawyers for the Finance Minister argue portray Mr. Ofori-Atta as corrupt.
In a writ stating his demands, the Minister requested a “recovery of the sum of Ten Million Ghana Cedis (GH¢10,000,000.00) as general damages including aggravated and/or exemplary damages for defamation for the libel uttered by Defendant.”
Mr. Ken Ofori-Atta is also seeking a perpetual injunction restraining Captain Smart, whether by himself, his servants, agents or assigns from repeating similar or other defamatory words against him.
Again, Captain Smart is to apologise and retract the statement made.
Meanwhile, Ghana’s request for a $3 billion bailout over three years to support the debt-ridden nation’s recovery has been approved.
The approval, which resulted in the immediate release of $600m marks the first stage of the transaction between Ghana and IMF.
