SML Files Defamation Suit Against Journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni, Seeks Ghc21m in Damages

Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd. (SML) has initiated a defamation lawsuit against investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni, challenging claims made in his book The President Ghana Never Got, specifically in Chapter 28, titled The Mother of All Scandals.

The lawsuit, filed in the High Court, accuses Manasseh of publishing defamatory content through his documentary, articles, and tweets since December 2023. SML asserts that these statements have caused significant reputational damage, leading to public backlash and the loss of potential business contracts in Tanzania, Kenya, and Ivory Coast.

Court documents indicate that SML entered into a contract with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) on January 1, 2019, to provide transaction audit services and external price verification services within Ghana’s customs operations. The contract’s scope was expanded in April and October 2019 to include revenue assurance in the downstream petroleum sector. In October 2023, the government, through the Ministry of Finance and the GRA, further extended the contract to cover upstream petroleum and minerals revenue audits under a five-year “risk-reward” model.

SML contends that its services have significantly improved revenue mobilisation by curbing leakages in the petroleum sector. However, the company argues that Manasseh’s portrayal of the contract as a “scandal” is misleading and damaging.

According to the lawsuit, Manasseh used phrases such as “the biggest scam,” “shady deal,” and “the SML scandal” to describe the company’s contract with the government. SML also claims that the journalist referred to its statements about the contract as “falsehoods” and “lies,” implying criminal activity.

SML insists that Manasseh acted in bad faith, despite being granted access to its facilities and a guided tour of its revenue assurance operations. The company alleges that the journalist deliberately misrepresented facts in his book to tarnish its reputation.

As part of its legal action, SML is seeking:

• GH₵1,000,000 in general damages for defamation.
• GH₵20,000,000 in exemplary damages for what it describes as malicious reporting.
• A perpetual injunction preventing Manasseh from publishing further defamatory statements about the company.
• A public retraction and apology for Chapter 28 of his book.

SML argues that the journalist’s allegations have fueled public distrust in its operations within the petroleum and mining sectors, causing significant harm to its business interests. The case is expected to draw widespread attention due to its implications for both investigative journalism and corporate transparency in Ghana.

Read the full statement here: SMLL sues Manasseh over ‘The President Ghana never had’ claim

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