Andy Kwame Appiah-Kubi, the Member of Parliament (MP) representing the Asante Akim North constituency, has taken legal action against Enoch Sarfo Asiedu, the assemblyman of the Obuasi Electoral Area, alleging defamation.
Through a statement of claim submitted to the Kumasi High Court, the MP seeks a declaration that certain statements made by the defendant on a local radio station are defamatory and have caused harm to his reputation and standing.
The statement of claim, consisting of 17 points and prepared by Kwasi Asokwa-Boateng of Appiah-Kubi & Associates of Nhyira Chambers, asserts that during a program on Salt FM radio on April 12, 2023, the defendant used offensive Twi language against the MP, resulting in damage to his political pursuits.
The MP contends that the defendant’s statements were motivated by malice, prompting him to request the court to order the defendant to retract the remarks and offer an apology.
Furthermore, Andy Appiah-Kubi is seeking GHȼ1 million in damages as redress for the harm inflicted upon his reputation and public standing.
However, during a court hearing held on July 28, 2023, the MP was not present, leading the court to impose a fine of GHȼ1,000 on him for his failure to appear. The case has been postponed to October 19, 2023.
Subsequent to the court proceedings, a group of approximately 50 youth with placards gathered at the court complex premises to express their displeasure regarding what they perceive as their MP’s lack of accountability to constituents. Some of the placards displayed messages questioning the usage of the Common Fund and calling for increased development in Asante Akim-North.