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Former Member of Parliament for Adansi Asokwa, K.T. Hammond, has filed a defamation lawsuit against prominent broadcaster Blessed Godsbrain Smart, popularly known as Captain Smart, over remarks allegedly made during a broadcast on Onua TV.
The legal action centres on claims that Captain Smart and his co-host attributed tribalistic comments to Mr. Hammond, suggesting he questioned how a person of Ewe descent could unseat him in the Adansi Asokwa constituency, located in the Ashanti Region.
The controversy stems from events following the December 7, 2024, presidential and parliamentary elections, during which K.T. Hammond, who represented the New Patriotic Party (NPP), lost his seat to Godwin Animli Dorgbadzi Dorani of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
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On December 9, 2024, during a broadcast of the Onua TV program Ghana Decides 2024—Election Command Centre—Abatoɔ Asodɛɛ, Captain Smart and his co-host reportedly alleged that Mr. Hammond made the following remarks:
“He said, he said: ah! How can an Ewe person unseat me? Eh, eh? He said, Why would an Ewe person be the one to take the seat from me in an Ashanti township?”
Mr. Hammond has denied making such remarks, arguing that the alleged statements portray him as tribalistic and narrow-minded.
He claims these comments have caused severe harm to his reputation, subjected him to public ridicule, and inflicted emotional distress.
Mr. Hammond is seeking the following remedies from the court:
- Damages: Including special, aggravated, and exemplary damages for libel published and republished by the defendants and other media outlets.
- Injunction: An order restraining Captain Smart, his co-host, and their agents from publishing similar defamatory statements.
- Apology and Retraction: An order compelling the defendants to publish a suitable apology and retract the defamatory comments across all platforms where they were aired or published.
- Removal of Defamatory Content: An order to ensure the removal of defamatory videos from the internet and other media platforms.
- Costs: Reimbursement for the costs incurred in prosecuting the case.
- Additional Reliefs: Any other remedies the court deems fit.
This lawsuit highlights growing tensions between public figures and media personalities, particularly in an era where social media and broadcast platforms amplify controversies. The case underscores the balance between free speech and accountability in media reporting.
The court is expected to determine the merit of Mr. Hammond’s claims and the appropriate course of action in the coming weeks.
Read full document here: KOBINA T. HAMMOND VRS CAPTAIN SMART & ANOR – WRIT OF SUMMONS & SOC(1)
