In a significant legal blow to activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor, the High Court has ruled in favor of former National Security Minister Albert Kan Dapaah, awarding a total of GH¢5.1 million in damages and legal costs.
The verdict follows a high-profile defamation lawsuit initiated by Kan Dapaah after Barker-Vormawor made public allegations regarding a purported bribery attempt.
The court’s decision marks the conclusion of a legal battle centered on the reputation of one of Ghana’s long-standing public officials.
GH¢5,000,000 (Five Million Ghana Cedis) was awarded for the injury to the plaintiff’s reputation, while GH¢100,000 was awarded to cover the former minister’s legal expenses.
The suit was triggered by claims made by Barker-Vormawor, the lead convener of the #FixTheCountry movement.
He alleged that Kan Dapaah, along with other government officials, had met with him in a private session and offered him $1 million plus other government incentives to cease his activism against the state.
The former National Security Minister vehemently denied these claims, asserting that the allegations were malicious, unfounded, and designed to bring his public office and personal integrity into disrepute.
The court found that the defendant failed to provide credible evidence to support the bribery claims, leading to the substantial award in favor of the plaintiff.
While the High Court has delivered its judgment, it remains to be seen if Barker-Vormawor will file an appeal.
The activist has been a frequent critic of the judicial system and the erstwhile Akufo-Addo administration, often citing these legal battles as “judicial harassment.”
This ruling serves as a stark reminder of the legal consequences surrounding unsubstantiated allegations against public figures in the digital and media age.
By 1960news.com
