Former Majority Leader and Minority Leader of Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has sued Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) Chief Executive Officer Samuel Adu Gyamfi, popularly known as Sammy Gyamfi, and Multimedia Group Limited over alleged defamatory statements made against him during a recent edition of Newsfile.
The suit, filed at the High Court in Accra, comes after remarks allegedly made by Mr Adu Gyamfi during the Saturday, August 22, 2026 edition of the programme hosted by journalist and lawyer Samson Lardy Anyenini.
According to the Statement of Claim, Mr Afenyo-Markin contends that Mr Adu Gyamfi described him as an “extortionist” during a discussion on the operations and financial performance of the Ghana Gold Board.
The Plaintiff says the remarks were made in response to a question concerning GoldBod’s reported profits and its position on losses arising from its operations.
Mr Afenyo-Markin alleges that Mr Adu Gyamfi went beyond the subject of the discussion and launched what he describes as an “unscathing attack” on him, including repeatedly maintaining that the description of him as an extortionist was justified.
The Plaintiff further alleges that, when the host sought clarification on whether Mr Adu Gyamfi stood by the characterization, the GoldBod CEO maintained his position and stated that the allegation was true.
Afenyo-Markin says remarks damaged his reputation
In his Statement of Claim, Mr Afenyo-Markin describes himself as a legal practitioner, a prominent public figure, a fourth-term Member of Parliament and a former Majority Leader who currently serves as Minority Leader.
He also says he is a traditional leader in the Effutu Traditional Area and has served as Third Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament.
According to him, these positions have over the years contributed to a reputation for integrity, honesty, professionalism and competence, which he says has been damaged by the statements.
The Plaintiff argues that the use of the word “extortionist” against him, without identifying when, where or from whom he allegedly extorted anything, is defamatory.
He further contends that the statements created the impression that he habitually engages in extortion, uses his political influence to exert improper pressure on public institutions and officials, engages in improper behind-the-scenes negotiations and abuses the authority associated with his public position.
He denies the allegations and maintains that he has never engaged in extortion or any conduct of the nature alleged.
Suit also targets Multimedia Group
Multimedia Group Limited, operator of Joy FM and JoyNews, has been joined as the second defendant.
Mr Afenyo-Markin alleges that the defamatory statements were broadcast through Multimedia’s platform during Newsfile and subsequently became available to a wider audience through recordings and social media platforms, including X, Facebook and YouTube.
He further alleges that Multimedia, despite being aware of the statements made during the programme, took no steps to stop the alleged defamatory publication.
The Plaintiff therefore contends that the second defendant published, facilitated or caused the publication of the statements to the programme’s audience.
Alleges malicious publication
The suit also accuses Mr Adu Gyamfi of acting maliciously.
Mr Afenyo-Markin alleges that the repeated use of the word “extortionist”, the alleged assertion that Mr Adu Gyamfi possessed evidence against him, and the challenge to him to “dare” the GoldBod CEO were calculated to injure his reputation.
He further claims that the statements were presented as established facts rather than merely expressions of opinion.
The Plaintiff says the publication has exposed him to hatred, ridicule, contempt and public disapprobation and has caused serious injury to his character, professional standing and public image.
What Afenyo-Markin is asking the court to order
Mr Afenyo-Markin is seeking a number of reliefs from the court, including general damages for libel, aggravated damages and exemplary damages.
He is also asking the court to order the defendants to publish a full, unconditional and unequivocal retraction of the alleged defamatory statements and issue a public apology to him.
He wants the retraction and apology to be given substantially the same prominence and reach as the original publication, including through JoyNews and the electronic and social media platforms through which the statements were disseminated.
The Plaintiff is additionally seeking a perpetual injunction restraining the defendants and persons acting under their authority from further publishing the alleged defamatory words or words having the same or substantially similar effect.
The suit also claims GH¢15 million, described in the writ as costs/compensation, together with legal costs and any further relief the court considers appropriate.
The allegations contained in t he Statement of Claim are yet to be determined by the court.
