By Nana Yaw Prekoh
Copyright ghanaguardian
A legal tussle has erupted in Accra after the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Chairman for Bortianor-Ngleshie-Amanfrom, Bright Ofori-Ampofo, filed a defamation suit against the Deputy Regional Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Eastern Region, Wilfred Kwaku Boateng, popularly known as Kade Boateng.
The suit, which was filed at the High Court in Accra in September 2025, also named XYZ Broadcasting Limited as a co-defendant.
According to the writ of summons, Ofori-Ampofo claims that comments made by Kade Boateng during a televised interview on XYZ TV on June 12, 2025, were deliberately aimed at tarnishing his reputation and politicizing a strike action by the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA).
The Background to the Dispute
The controversy stems from the nationwide strike by GRNMA earlier this year, which attracted widespread political commentary.
During his interview, Kade Boateng allegedly accused Ofori-Ampofo and his wife of colluding to incite the strike as part of a political scheme to embarrass the government and the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The NPP chairman, however, insists that he has no personal or professional relationship with Kade Boateng and had never conspired with anyone to use the strike for political ends.
He described the allegations as false, malicious, and calculated to subject him and his family to public ridicule.
Attempts to Resolve the Matter
Court documents indicate that following the broadcast, Ofori-Ampofo received numerous calls and messages from friends, constituents, and even his wife—who was on official travel at the time—about the remarks.
He claims that he attempted to reach out to Boateng privately to seek a retraction and an apology but was ignored.
Subsequently, on June 17, 2025, his lawyers wrote formally to both the NDC official and XYZ Broadcasting, demanding a retraction and apology through the same medium.
However, no such step was taken, prompting the lawsuit.
Reliefs Being Sought
In his statement of claim, Ofori-Ampofo is seeking several reliefs from the High Court, including:
A declaration that the words published by the defendants are defamatory.
GH¢5 million in aggravated and exemplary damages.
An order compelling the defendants to retract the statements and issue a public apology through XYZ TV.
Costs, including legal fees, and any other reliefs the court deems appropriate.
The NPP chairman argues that the allegations have caused him serious reputational harm, distress, and embarrassment, adding that unless restrained, Boateng may continue to make similar damaging claims.
