Minority Leader in Parliament, Osahene Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has filed a libel suit at the High Court in Accra against the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Samuel Adu Gyamfi (popularly known as Sammy Gyamfi), and Multimedia Group Limited, operators of JoyNews and Joy 99.7 FM.
The writ of summons and statement of claim, dated 24 August 2026 and issued by solicitor F. Paa Kwesi Abaidoo of Dehyena Chambers, seeks general, aggravated and exemplary damages, a full public retraction and apology, a perpetual injunction, and costs including GH¢15 million as compensation.
According to the claim, the action arised from comments made by Gyamfi during the 22 August 2026 edition of the popular current-affairs programme Newsfile, hosted by Samson Lardy Anyenini and broadcast on JoyNews television, Joy FM radio and social-media platforms.
Afenyo-Markin, a four-term Member of Parliament, former Majority Leader, current Minority Leader and traditional leader in the Effutu Traditional Area, states that he has built a reputation for integrity, honesty, and competence that led to his election as Third Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament.
He described himself as a person of both national and international repute.
The statement of claim alleged that Gyamfi, while responding to questions about GoldBod’s reported profits and alleged operational losses, “veered into an unscathing attack” on Afenyo-Markin, describing him as an “extortionist.”
Gyamfi is said to have justified the description by noting that he rarely uses the word against critics and that this was the first time he had done so because the allegation was true. He further challenged Afenyo-Markin and his supporters to sue him or debate him, insisting that the Minority Leader knew the claim was accurate.
Specific extracts quoted in the writ include Gyamfi stating that there were “many underlining issues” between him and Afenyo-Markin, asking why he would use the word “extortion” now if it were not true, confirming with a “YES” when asked whether he was calling the Minority Leader an extortionist, and daring the host to encourage Afenyo-Markin to sue so that he (Gyamfi) could substantiate the claim.
Afenyo-Markin maintained that the words are false. He denies ever engaging in extortion or any improper use of his political position.
He argued that the statements were understood by listeners to mean that he habitually engages in extortion, uses his influence to pressure public institutions, conducts secret improper negotiations, and lacks the honesty and integrity expected of a legal practitioner and senior public official.
The claim further alleged that the remarks were published maliciously, motivated by Afenyo-Markin’s criticism of GoldBod’s financial performance, and that Multimedia Group facilitated the publication by broadcasting the programme live and allowing Gyamfi to continue after the host had raised concerns.
The recording has since circulated widely on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, YouTube and other platforms, amplifying the alleged damage.
Afenyo-Markin is seeking, among other reliefs, an order that any retraction and apology be broadcast on JoyNews and published on the same platforms with equal prominence, as well as a permanent injunction restraining further similar publications.
The defendants have been directed to enter appearance within eight days of service. The case is expected to test the boundaries of political commentary, the defence of justification in defamation law, and the responsibilities of broadcasters when live guests make serious allegations against public figures.
