GHc10m defamation case: Court turns town Kan Dapaah's prayer for cost, adjourns to Feb.28

The Accra High Court has adjourned the GHC10 million defamation case filed by former National Security Minister Albert Kan Dapaah against activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor to February 28, 2025, after it turned down a request for costs against the defendant for his unavailability.

At the court session on Monday, January 27, 2025, Kan Dapaah’s legal counsel, Bright Otchere Adjekum, requested that costs be imposed on the defendant. 

However, he was handed a letter from Barker-Vormawor’s lawyer, Dr. Justice Srem Sai, requesting a postponement due to his absence.

Otchere Adjekum admitted he had been informed about the request but had not reviewed the letter before the hearing. After reading it in court, he dismissed it as insufficient grounds for adjournment, arguing that valid reasons should typically involve medical issues or a scheduling conflict with a higher court, such as the Court of Appeal or Supreme Court.

He also urged the court to discharge his client, who was scheduled for further cross-examination, and to impose financial penalties on the defendant.

However, the presiding judge, Justice Rev. Fr. Joseph Adu-Owusu Agyeman, denied the request and granted the adjournment.

Barker-Vormawor was not present when the case was first called but arrived later. The judge advised him to ensure his legal counsel appears at the next hearing.

Background of the Defamation Case

Albert Kan Dapaah filed a defamation lawsuit seeking GHC10 million in damages over remarks made by Barker-Vormawor. The case arises from claims by the activist that certain government officials, including the former National Security Minister, had attempted to pay him to halt his activism related to the #FixTheCountry movement.

Kan Dapaah denies these allegations, arguing that the statements have harmed his reputation and warrant legal redress.

His legal team is demanding:

• GHC10 million in damages, including aggravated and exemplary compensation for defamation.
• A public apology and retraction of the alleged defamatory remarks.
• A permanent injunction barring Barker-Vormawor from making similar allegations in the future.