Deputy Inspector General of Police (IGP), Christian Tettey Yohuno, has initiated a defamation lawsuit against outspoken broadcaster Blessed Godsbrain Smart, popularly known as Captain Smart, and his employer, Media General Limited.
The lawsuit, filed at the Accra High Court on Thursday, January 2, 2025, seeks to address claims made by Captain Smart during a live radio and television program on December 27, 2024.
The Allegations
According to court filings, Captain Smart made several allegations on the program, including:
- Destabilization Plot: He accused certain individuals within the Ghana Armed Forces and officials in the Ghana Police Service of plotting to destabilize Ghana’s constitutional order, suggesting an imminent coup d’état.
- Politically Motivated Appointment: He claimed that Deputy IGP Yohuno’s appointment was politically influenced.
- Partisan Ties: Smart alleged that Yohuno was a member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and had been providing financial support to National Democratic Congress (NDC) officials to secure his appointment as Inspector General of Police (IGP).
- Visits to NDC Officials: The broadcaster alleged that Yohuno had been visiting the homes of NDC leaders as part of a political scheme.
Yohuno’s Response
The Deputy IGP has refuted these claims, describing them as false, malicious, and defamatory. In his suit, he seeks:
- General Damages: Compensation for the harm caused to his reputation and integrity.
- Injunction: An order preventing Captain Smart and Media General from making further defamatory statements.
- Retraction and Apology: A court-mandated public retraction and apology to be broadcast by Media General.
Yohuno’s legal action underscores his commitment to protecting not only his personal reputation but also the image of the Ghana Police Service amidst heightened political tensions in the country.
Political and Professional Implications
This case has ignited debates about the thin line between freedom of expression and accountability in public discourse. It also reflects growing concerns over the politicization of appointments in Ghana’s security sector. Yohuno’s legal action comes at a time when political appointments and alleged partisan affiliations of security officials are under intense scrutiny.
Awaiting Captain Smart’s Response
As of now, Captain Smart has not issued an official response to the lawsuit. Known for his fiery and often controversial commentary, many anticipate that the broadcaster will address the matter publicly in the coming days.
Public Reaction
The case has sparked mixed reactions:
- Support for Yohuno: Some have commended the Deputy IGP for standing up against what they see as baseless allegations, arguing that such claims undermine the credibility of Ghana’s security agencies.
- Criticism of Media Accountability: Others have called for stricter regulation of media platforms to prevent the spread of unverified claims that could destabilize national unity.
- Defense of Free Speech: Supporters of Captain Smart argue that his statements reflect broader concerns about transparency and governance in Ghana’s security services.
Conclusion
This high-profile case is expected to dominate headlines in the coming weeks as it raises critical questions about media accountability, political neutrality in security appointments, and the balance between freedom of speech and defamation laws.
Observers will closely monitor developments as Ghana grapples with issues of governance and public accountability.
