Prof. Gyampo pursues Legal Action NPP’s Salam Mustapha over Defamation Claims

A senior political science lecturer at the University of Ghana, Professor Ransford Gyampo, has announced his intent to pursue legal action against the National Youth Organizer of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Salam Mustapha. The decision follows what Gyampo describes as “baseless defamatory allegations” made against him by Mustapha, suggesting an attempt by Gyampo and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to disenfranchise Ghanaian students through the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) strike.

In a strongly worded statement, Gyampo expressed frustration over continuous falsehoods peddled against him but noted that, unlike past incidents, this latest attack from an official in a key position within the NPP has pushed him to act. “I won’t dignify that boy by reproducing the statement here,” he wrote, referring to Mustapha’s release. “But it contained baseless defamatory allegations about things I haven’t done.”

Gyampo explained that his lawyers had previously advised against taking action in similar cases where the individuals involved lacked the means to compensate for damages, dismissing them as “men of straw.” However, he underscored that Mustapha, holding a significant role within the NPP, does not fall into that category. “I have therefore instructed my lawyers to file a legal suit against him, and thankfully, they are more than happy to do same. He must be able to provide evidence to back the allegations he’s made,” Gyampo asserted, pledging to spare no expense in seeking justice.

This move highlights ongoing tensions between political figures and academics in the lead-up to the 2024 elections, with issues surrounding the UTAG strike becoming increasingly politicized. Gyampo’s insistence on pursuing the case through “due processes of law” signals his determination to see a resolution, stating, “Even if I don’t get justice now, I won’t leave this matter to rest, because I know that I would get it tomorrow.”

The statement has since gained traction across social media, with many followers of both parties closely monitoring the legal developments.

Source: ghananewsonline.com.gh