Manasseh responds to GHS 21 Million Defamation Suit by SML

Investigative journalist and author Manasseh Azure Awuni has dismissed claims that he is evading service of a GHS 21 million defamation lawsuit filed against him by Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML). He asserts that he has been in the United States since August 2024 for a one-year journalism fellowship at Harvard University and has instructed his lawyers to ensure the writ is officially served so he can defend himself in court.

The lawsuit, signed by Victoria Barth of Sam Okudzeto & Associates, takes issue with references to the SML contract as “the biggest scam,” “the SML scandal,” and “shady.” The company also disputes Manasseh’s characterization of its financial claims as “falsehood” and a “lie.”

The controversial contract between SML, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), and the Ministry of Finance was the subject of a high-profile investigation by Manasseh, which led to President Nana Akufo-Addo commissioning KPMG to probe the deal. The case has gained renewed attention following an announcement by the Special Prosecutor that former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta is under investigation over the SML deal and other corruption-related matters.

Manasseh pointed out that SML had previously sued both him and the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) in February 2024, and the court had used substituted service to serve him due to his absence from the country. He questioned why the same method had not been applied in the latest case.

The journalist reiterated his commitment to facing all legal challenges, emphasizing that this is the 11th defamation suit against him since 2015. He maintains that his investigative work has contributed to significant reforms and saved Ghana hundreds of millions of dollars.

The case has sparked discussions about press freedom, investigative journalism, and corporate accountability in Ghana. Media stakeholders and civil society organizations are closely monitoring developments, as the outcome could set a significant precedent for journalism and accountability reporting in the country.