Former Kumbungu MP sues MTN, demands $5m in damages

Former Kumbungu MP, Abdulai Mohammed Mubarak, also known as Ras Mubarak, has initiated legal action against MTN Ghana (Scancom PLC) at the High Court in Accra.

The former National Youth Authority Chief Executive is seeking $5 million in damages, accusing the telecommunications company of failing to provide him with roaming services during a critical international business trip.

The suit, filed on November 27, 2024, outlines Mubarak’s claims of breach of contract, financial loss, and reputational damage. 

According to the former MP, MTN Ghana's failure to activate roaming services disrupted his business operations and caused personal hardship during a trip in September 2024 to the UAE, Bahrain, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia.

Mubarak alleges that despite arranging for roaming services before his trip, he was unable to access his mobile network upon arrival at his first destination. This left him unable to make or receive calls, send messages, or use internet data.

In the court documents, he stated, "I made several attempts to access my mobile phone services without success, rendering me unable to conduct business or fulfill personal obligations."

The lawsuit details the toll of MTN Ghana’s alleged service failure. Mubarak claims the disruption caused him to miss business opportunities, suffer reputational harm, and face significant personal challenges. He also recounted being unable to receive one-time passwords (OTPs) required for financial transactions, leaving his family in a precarious position.

"I had to rely on employees and associates for financial support to meet my family and business obligations," Mubarak lamented in the filing.

Compensation Sought

Mubarak is demanding:

• $1 million in damages for breach of contract.
• $4 million for hardship, inconvenience, and reputational harm.
• Interest on the awarded sums at commercial lending rates.
• Full reimbursement of legal costs, including attorney fees.

He also seeks a court declaration that MTN Ghana’s actions amounted to a breach of contract.

The court filing mentions that MTN Ghana issued an apology on October 17, 2024, following a demand notice from Mubarak’s lawyers. However, Mubarak described the apology as inadequate and dismissive, pointing out that the company only offered a waiver for his September post-paid bill as compensation.

"Such an offer trivialized the gravity of my ordeal," Mubarak stated, explaining that he pursued legal action after MTN Ghana failed to provide a satisfactory resolution despite multiple opportunities to do so.

The High Court is yet to set a date for hearing the case.