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The Director of Communications for the Ghana Gas Company Limited, Ernest Owusu Bempah, has appealed a judgement of the High Court, Criminal Division, Accra by Her Ladyship Georgina Mensah-Datsa dated 18th October, 2019.

On the grounds of Appeal, Mr. Owusu Bempah appeals to the Court of Appeal that, "the learned trial Judge erred when she held that the words spoken by the 1st Defendant (Ernest Owusu Bempah) in the heat of passion on a political discourse between the 1st Defendant and the NDC Panelist was actionable in a defamation suit." 

"The learned trial Judge erred when she failed to properly evaluate the evidence before the court in totality considering the derogatory statements made by the NDC Panellist against the 1st Defendant which led to the statement uttered by the 1st Defendant."

"The judgement is against the weight of evidence," the appeal signed by his lawyer, Gary Nimako Marfo of Safo and Marfo @ Law stated.

According to the Director of Communications for the Ghana Gas Company Limited, he is seeking "an order reversing the judgement of the High Court."

Background

Business Mogul, Ibrahim Mahama won a defamation case against Ernest Owusu Bempah of Ghana Gas and the Despite Group.

The court presided by Justice Georgina Mensah Datsa (High Court, Accra) granted all the reliefs except the cost of ¢2 million which the judge awarded ¢300,000.

The judge also warned communicators who go on media platforms to malign innocent people to desist from such acts because that will not be tolerated.

"Ernest Owusu Bempah by publishing those words directed at the person of Ibrahim Mahama, he has defamed him. I shall proceed to grant judgment in favour of the Plaintiff, Ibrahim Mahama. As we move towards next year's election, we need to be guided," Justice Georgina Datsa said.

The CEO of Engineers and Planners, Ibrahim Mahama, last year sued the Communications Director of the Ghana National Gas Company, Ernest Owusu Bempah, along with the Despite Group of Companies – owners of private TV station UTV last year for defamation. 

Mr Ibrahim Mahama was represented in court throughout the proceedings by his Aide Rafik Mahama.

The judge cited his absence as a reason for not awarding the full amount of ¢2 million against the defendants but she concluded by saying she understands the busy schedule of the plaintiff hence his absence in court.

The legal team of Mr Ibrahim Mahama was led by Lawyer Reindorf Twumasi Ankrah and supported by Gloria Amoah and Makafui Dzimabi.