Deputy Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Christian Tettey Yohunu, has filed a defamation lawsuit at the Accra High Court against broadcaster Blessed Godsbrain Smart, popularly known as Captain Smart, and Media General Limited.
The lawsuit, filed on Thursday, January 2, 2025, stems from statements made by Captain Smart during a radio and TV program on December 27, 2024. During the program, Smart alleged that “elements within the Ghana Armed Forces and certain officials of the Ghana Police Service” were plotting to destabilize the country’s constitutional order through a coup d’état.
Court documents reveal that Smart also claimed Mr. Yohunu’s appointment as Deputy IGP was politically influenced, alleging that he participated in meetings to secure the position. Furthermore, he accused Yohunu of visiting the homes of National Democratic Congress (NDC) officials while purportedly being a member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and offering money to be appointed IGP.
In response, the Deputy IGP is seeking general damages for defamation and an injunction to prevent further defamatory remarks by the defendants. He is also requesting a court order compelling the defendants to retract the statements and issue unqualified apologies through three publications on Onua TV and three radio announcements on Onua FM.
